Heavy Metals may be weighing you down!

By: Danalyn Ramos

 

Introduction

Heavy Metals are a leading cause of environmental pollution in our modern-day society. Environmental pollution is becoming increasingly problematic for humans and animals that call this planet home. These toxic elements are a group of metallic elements with high atomic masses and densities. While some of these elements are essential for life in trace amounts, others can be highly toxic when present in excessive concentrations. The dangers of heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, are significant and can have far-reaching consequences for human health, ecosystems, and the environment. Heavy metals can be found in anything from water, soil, food, baby formula, everyday household products, and can be introduced into the environment through processes such as mining, agriculture practices and burning of fossil fuels. In this blog, we will explore the cause of heavy metals, their sources, impact, and what we can do to mitigate the negative effects of heavy metals in our environment.

Heavy Metals (HMs)

According to Duffus, “the term “heavy metals” is often used as a group name for metals and semimetals (metalloids) that have been associated with contamination and potential toxicity or ecotoxicity.” Heavy metals are among the most investigated environmental pollutants. Almost any heavy metal and metalloid may be potentially toxic to biota depending upon the dose and duration of exposure. Many elements are classified into the category of heavy metals, but some are relevant in the environmental context. List of the environmentally relevant most toxic heavy metals and metalloids contains Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, and As. The four heavy metals with the highest toxicity rate are; Cr, Cd, Pb, Hg, and the metalloid As. (R. Ramírez, 2013,).

Where do heavy metals come from?

Environmental contamination and pollution by heavy metals is a threat to the environment and is of serious concern. Heavy metals have both natural and anthropogenic sources, and their presence in the environment has increased due to human activities. Understanding these sources is crucial to addressing the dangers associated with heavy metals:

1. Natural Sources: Some heavy metals, like copper and zinc, exist naturally in the Earth’s crust. They are released into the environment through geological processes, including volcanic eruptions, rock weathering, and erosion.
2. Anthropogenic Sources: The primary contributors to heavy metal contamination are human activities. Industrial processes, mining, agriculture, and the combustion of fossil fuels release heavy metals into the environment. Pesticides, fertilizers, and waste disposal practices further contribute to heavy metal pollution.

Natural resources with highest contamination levels of Heavy Metals:

1. Water

 Contamination of water resources by heavy metals is a critical environmental issue which adversely affects plants, animals, and human health. Heavy metals are extremely toxic to aquatic organisms even at very low concentrations. These elements can cause significant histopathological alterations in tissues of aquatic organisms such as fish. Aquatic ecosystems are contaminated by heavy metals from different sources (S. Rezania.,2016). One source of heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystems is effluents from mining operations. Other sources of water contamination with heavy metals include different industrial effluents, domestic sewage, and agricultural run-off. The release of industrial effluents without treatment into the aquatic bodies is a major source of pollution of surface and groundwater water (S. Rezania.,2016). Pollution of water bodies with heavy metals is a worldwide problem because of the environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification in food chains and toxicity of these elements.

2. Sediments

Sediments serve as both sink and source of heavy metals, releasing them into the water column (M. Türkmen 2009,.). Continuing deposition of heavy metals in sediments can also lead to contamination of groundwater with these pollutants. Contamination of sediments with heavy metals is an environmentally important issue with consequences for aquatic organisms and human health. Sediments act as the main pool of metals in the aquatic environment.

 

3. Soils

Heavy metals and metalloids are released into soils from the parent material and different anthropogenic sources. Factors affecting the presence and distribution of heavy metals in soils include composition of parent rock, degree of weathering, and physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soil and climatic conditions. Additionally, in urban areas, soils may be contaminated with heavy metals from heavy vehicular traffic on roads (A. K. Mackay., 2013).

 

Food sources with highest heavy metal content:

1. Fish – Fish are a notorious source of heavy metal contamination, particularly mercury. Runoff from industrial sites and pollution within fish’s food chain leads to a buildup of mercury and other toxins, which can pose a health risk to humans.
2. Brown rice – At elevated risk are populations living near mining sites or other industries where wastewater works its way into agricultural soil. Studies on at-risk sites like these showed high levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic, manganese, and antimony in brown rice samples grown locally. (Agbalian EV., 2012)
3. Leafy green vegetables – due to soil contaminated with industrial runoff or nearby air pollution has led to elevated levels of cadmium, zinc, copper, iron, chromium, and iron.
4. Vegetable oil – a study performed in China, several vegetable oils sold for human consumption were found to contain trace amounts of copper, zinc, iron, manganese, cadmium, nickel, lead, and arsenic (Mendil et al., 2009).
5. Food coloring – This includes “natural color” on the ingredient list.
6. Unfiltered water/Tap water – The United States has had several problems with heavy metal contamination with copper and lead.
7. Baby food/formula – Several recent studies, and an analysis commissioned by Healthy Babies Bright Futures, all of which have reported that toxic elements such as arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium have been found in popular baby food brands.

Mitigating the Dangers of Heavy Metals

1. Regulatory Measures: Governments and international organizations have established regulations and standards to limit heavy metal emissions and exposure. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States sets limits on the number of heavy metals that can be released into the environment. The Minamata Convention is an international treaty aiming to reduce global mercury emissions.
2. Use Heavy Metal Cleansing Products: Products such as Fulvic Ionic Minerals by the company Optimally Organic, safely cleanse inorganic matter such as Heavy Metals and Toxic Chemicals from the body. Without this process taking place, heavy metals would otherwise remain lodged in various cell tissues creating havoc.
3. Monitor and Test: Regularly monitor and test heavy metal contamination in the environment, especially in areas where there may be a high risk of exposure. This can include soil, water, and air testing.
4. Safe Disposal: Dispose of products that contain heavy metals, such as batteries, electronics, and fluorescent bulbs, properly. Many areas have recycling programs for these items, and improper disposal can lead to heavy metals leaching into the environment.
5. Water Treatment: Use effective water treatment methods to remove heavy metals from drinking water sources. These methods may include filtration, coagulation, and precipitation.
6. Healthy Diet: Consume a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Foods rich in essential minerals, such as calcium, iron, and zinc, can help mitigate the absorption of heavy metals in the body. Additionally, avoid or limit the consumption of foods known to be high in heavy metals such as brown rice, dark chocolate, and contaminated fish and shellfish, as they can accumulate heavy metals like mercury.
7. Reduce Occupational Exposure: Workers in industries that handle heavy metals should use personal protective equipment and follow safety protocols to minimize exposure.
8. Phytoremediation: Utilize plants that are known to absorb and accumulate heavy metals in contaminated soils, a process known as phytoremediation. These plants can help remove heavy metals from the soil, making it safer for other land uses.
9. Chelation Therapy: In cases of acute heavy metal poisoning, medical treatment may involve chelation therapy. Chelating agents can be administered to remove heavy metals from the body. This should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
10. Soil Remediation: Implement soil remediation techniques, such as soil washing, to remove heavy metals from contaminated soil. This is especially important for agricultural land and urban areas.
11. Awareness and Education: Promote awareness and educate communities about the risks associated with heavy metals and how to reduce exposure. This can lead to better practices in homes, workplaces, and communities.
12. Regulation and Policy: Advocate for and support government regulations and policies that limit the release of heavy metals into the environment and establish safety standards for their use in various industries.

How to detoxify heavy metals

• Herbs and Spices- Herbs such as basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and cilantro can help remove heavy metals, Cilantro along with other green herbs and plants is one of the best herbs for detoxifying and can help reduce the buildup of heavy metals like mercury and lead in the body.
• Vitamin C- vitamin C can reduce the damage caused by heavy metal toxicity by acting as an antioxidant. High-vitamin C foods include citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit. Supplemental vitamin C can also be used to eradicate the effects of heavy metals.
• Chaga Mushroom- Chaga mushroom is known for is extremely high antioxidant properties, that fight against free radicals and stop them from damaging your body cells. Additionally, Chaga assists in the digestion and expulsion of toxins and synthetic materials from the body, such as heavy metals.
• Chlorella– Chlorella is a type of green algae that acts as a natural chelator to remove heavy metals, especially lead and mercury.
• Chelation Therapy– Chelation therapy is probably one of the most effective ways to reduce serious heavy metal exposure, especially metals like lead, mercury, aluminum and arsenic. Chelation therapy involves a chemical solution called EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), which is administered into the body, typically directly into the bloodstream via injection, so it can bind with excess minerals. EDTA chelation therapy helps to eliminate metals by binding salts to molecules. After EDTA attaches to heavy metals, together they both move to the kidneys where they are eliminated through urine.
• Activated Charcoal- Activated charcoal is a treatment that works to eliminate metals and toxins via adsorption, or the chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface. The porous surface of activated charcoal has a negative electric charge that causes positive charged toxins and gas to bond with it. Charcoal is so powerful that it’s used as an emergency treatment for removing poisons from the body very fast.

Conclusion

The dangers of heavy metals are real, multifaceted, and widespread, impacting both human health and the environment. Recognizing and addressing these threats is essential for the well-being of individuals and the health of our planet. By adhering to regulations, adopting pollution prevention measures, actively participating in remediation efforts, and educating the public, we can work together to mitigate the adverse effects of heavy metal contamination and strive for a safer and more sustainable future.

Resources:

2. J. H. Duffus, ““Heavy metals” a meaningless term? (IUPAC Technical Report),” Pure and Applied Chemistry, vol. 74, no. 5, pp. 793–807, 2002.
3. K. Mackay, M. P. Taylor, N. C. Munksgaard, K. A. Hudson-Edwards, and L. Burn-Nunes, “Identification of environmental lead sources and pathways in a mining and smelting town: mount Isa, Australia,” Environmental Pollution, vol. 180, pp. 304–311, 2013.
4. Agbalian EV. [Heavy metal contamination and public health risk assessment in North Yamal]. Gig Sanit. 2012 Jan-Feb;(1):14-6. Russian. PMID: 22712314.
5. Türkmen, A. Türkmen, Y. Tepe, Y. Töre, and A. Ateş, “Determination of metals in fish species from Aegean and Mediterranean seas,” Food Chemistry, vol. 113, no. 1, pp. 233–237, 2009.
6. Ramírez, “The gastropodOsilinus atrataas a bioindicator of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn contamination in the coastal waters of the Canary Islands,” Chemistry and Ecology, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 208–220, 2013.