Silver amalgam fillings don't just contain silver. They are also made of zinc, tin, aluminum, and 50% mercury. Replacing these fillings with other non-metal materials can improve your health. It is important to only have amalgam fillings removed by a dentist that can do it safely and thus releasing the least amount of heavy metals into your body in the process.

HEALTH COMPLAINTS BEFORE AND AT ONE AND FIVE YEARS AFTER REMOVAL OF DENTAL AMALGAM RESTORATIONS-DATA FROM A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY IN NORWAY

​In this study reduction of the intensity of symptoms after removal of amalgam restorations was observed, which suggests a possible dose–response relationship. 
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Sinha, Nivedita et al. “Health complaints before and at one and five years after removal of dental amalgam restorations - data from a prospective cohort study in Norway.” Acta odontologica Scandinavica vol. 83 219-229. 3 May. 2024, doi:10.2340/aos.v83.40260

A SAFE PROTOCOL FOR AMALGAM REMOVAL

Doctors and individuals request the removal of their amalgam (silver mercury) restorations due to the high mercury content. A safe protocol to replace the silver mercury filling will ensure that there is minimal if any absorption of materials while being removed. Strong alternative white composite and lab-processed materials are available today to create a healthy and functioning mouth. Preparation of the patient prior to the procedure and after treatment is vital to establish the excretion of the mercury from the body.

The following is a list of outcomes that I repeatedly hear from my patients over the years. Although I have not scientifically collected them, after amalgam removal and detoxification, they have also been reported in the literature. Comments include that

1. patients no longer have a metallic taste in their mouth;
2. patients feel as if they have more energy;
3. patients are able to concentrate better and make decisions easier (the “brain fog” is gone);
4. their body responds better to other treatments, as if a barrier has been lifted.

To achieve effective results one must include an integrative approach with a physician and health care team with attention to detoxification and diet over several months, with laboratory tests to monitor progress.
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Colson, Dana G. “A safe protocol for amalgam removal.” Journal of environmental and public health vol. 2012 (2012): 517391. doi:10.1155/2012/517391

Female infertility is associated with arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Male infertility is related to lead, cadmium and other heavy metals.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HEAVY METALS EXPOSURE AND INFERTILITY AMONG AMERICAN WOMEN 

Urinary Arsenic was significantly associated with female infertility, and the risk of infertility increased with higher urinary Arsenic levels. To some extent, urinary Cadmium was correlated with infertility. Blood/urine Lead was related to infertility in advanced age and overweight/obese women. 
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Lin, Jie et al. “Association between heavy metals exposure and infertility among American women aged 20-44 years: A cross-sectional analysis from 2013 to 2018 NHANES data.” Frontiers in public health vol. 11 1122183. 14 Feb. 2023, doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1122183

ABOUT LEAD AND OTHER HEAVY METALS AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Lead and other heavy metals can alter men's hormones and affect sperm health, reducing fertility.
Exposure to lead and other heavy metals before or during pregnancy might increase risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects.
Lead and other heavy metals can enter breast milk and harm a child's brain development.
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CDC. “About Lead and Other Heavy Metals and Reproductive Health.” Reproductive Health and the Workplace, 2024, www.cdc.gov/niosh/reproductive-health/prevention/lead-metals.html

Thimerosal contains a type of mercury called ethyl mercury. Thimerosal is a preservative used in some vaccines as a preservative. Since 2003 in the US you won't find it it childhood vaccines, but it is still used in multi-dose flu vaccines and one type of Td vaccine. It is still commonly used in less developed countries where it is impractical to transport a separate vial for each dose. 

​Many vaccines contain aluminum. Aluminum is an adjuvant. An adjuvant boosts your immune response thus making a vaccine more effective. 

When metals are injected a much higher percentage of them make it into your bloodstream than when they are ingested.

While many people are able naturally remove these metals injected into their bodies, some people are not so good at it. Body weight and genetics are factors. Inefficient detoxification leads to longer exposure times and increases the amount of metals able to cross the blood-brain barrier or get stored elsewhere in your body.

The website: JustTheInserts.com has done a great job of compiling all the vaccine product inserts. Look through the Table of Contents on a specific vaccine's insert and find "Description". The ingredients for that specific vaccine will be listed there. 

MERCURY IN VACCINES

Thiomersal, also called thimerosal, is an ethyl mercury derivative used as a preservative to prevent bacterial contamination of multidose vaccine vials after they have been opened.

Hessel, Luc. “Le mercure et les vaccins” [Mercury in vaccines]. Bulletin de l'Academie nationale de medecine vol. 187,8 (2003): 1501-10.

CHILDHOOD VACCINES AFTER 2003
UNDERSTANDING THIMEROSAL, MERCURY, AND VACCINE SAFETY

2003: All childhood vaccines with thimerosal as a preservative have passed their expiration date and are no longer available in the U.S. The amount of mercury in vaccines recommended for children is close to zero.
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Understanding Thimerosal, Mercury, and Vaccine Safety
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2011

MULTIDOSE VACCINES
VACCINE BASICS: U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

Most vaccines do not have any mercury in them. However, multi-dose flu vaccines and one type of tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine contain a small amount of thimerosal. Flu and Td vaccines are also available in thimerosal-free versions.

CDC. “Vaccine Basics.” Vaccines & Immunizations, 2024, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/basics/.

VACCINES IN LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ABATING MERCURY EXPOSURE IN YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD INCLUDE THIMEROSAL-FREE VACCINES

Newborns and infants in less developed countries have a concentrated schedule of Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs); pregnant mothers are also immunized with TCVs.
​
Dórea, José G. “Abating Mercury Exposure in Young Children Should Include Thimerosal-Free Vaccines.” Neurochemical research vol. 42,10 (2017): 2673-2685. doi:10.1007/s11064-017-2277-x

NEURODEVELOPMENT OF AMAZONIAN CHILDREN EXPOSED TO ETHYLMERCURY (FROM THIMEROSAL IN VACCINES) AND METHYLMERCURY (FROM FISH)

This study is distinguished from others by assessing co-occurring exposures of organic-Hg forms (chronic high fish-MeHg consumption, and acute EtHg-Al in TCVs from vaccines taken during pregnancy and in infancy). We found neurodevelopment delays to increase with time (from six to 24 months) and that co-occurring Hg exposures to significantly influence only Mental Developmental Index tests in Amazonian children.

Marques, Rejane C et al. “Neurodevelopment of Amazonian children exposed to ethylmercury (from Thimerosal in vaccines) and methylmercury (from fish).” Environmental research vol. 149 (2016): 259-265. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2015.12.022

EXAMINING THE EVIDENCE THAT ETHYLMERCURY CROSSES THE BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER

22 studies from 1971 to 2019 show that exposure to ethylmercury-containing compounds (intravenously, intraperitoneally, topically, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intranasally administered) results in accumulation of mercury in the brain. 

Kern, Janet K et al. “Examining the evidence that ethylmercury crosses the blood-brain barrier.” Environmental toxicology and pharmacology vol. 74 (2020): 103312. doi:10.1016/j.etap.2019.103312

ENTRY AND DEPOSIT OF ALUMINUM IN THE BRAIN

Aluminum, as a known neurotoxicant, contributes to cognitive dysfunction and may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The important reason is that aluminum can enter and be deposited in the brain. There have been three routes by which aluminum could enter the brain from systemic circulation or the site of absorption. Aluminum fluxes into brain across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the choroid plexuses and the nasal cavity. Some factors, such as the increasing of the blood-brain barrier permeability, citric acid and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and vitamin D, can promote aluminum to enter the brain. But the redistribution of aluminum out of the brain is slow, so aluminum can be deposited in the brain for a long time.

Wang, Linping. “Entry and Deposit of Aluminum in the Brain.” Advances in experimental medicine and biology vol. 1091 (2018): 39-51. doi:10.1007/978-981-13-1370-7_3

AUTOIMMUNE/INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME INDUCED BY ADJUVANTS (ASIA) IN 2023

In 2011, a syndrome entitled ASIA (Autoimmune/inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants; Shoenfeld's syndrome) was first described. ASIA aimed to organize under a single umbrella, the existing evidence regarding certain environmental factors which possess immune stimulatory properties, in order to shed light on a common pathway of autoimmune pathogenesis. Such environmental immune stimulators, or adjuvants, include among others: aluminum salts as in vaccines, various medical implants, as well as various infectious agents.

Typical clinical symptoms of ASIA are: chronic fatigue, arthralgias, myalgias, pyrexia, sicca symptoms, cognitive impairment, and or (atypical) neurological symptoms. Typically, patients present with severe fatigue, nonrestorative sleep, and a majority reporting post-exertional malaise as is observed in ME/CFS. 

Cohen Tervaert, Jan Willem et al. “Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) in 2023.” Autoimmunity reviews vol. 22,5 (2023): 103287. doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103287

Toxins can be found in our food in many and unpredictable ways. Mercury in fish. Arsenic in rice. Even mixed juices contain toxins. Fish that are higher on the food chain, that grow slower, and live longer accumulate more toxins. Safer fish choices include clams, cod, salmon, and tilapia. Bonus points for sardines because they are high in selenium.

HEAVY METALS IN FOODS AND BEVERAGES

Heavy metal toxicity is directly related to their accumulation in food. High amounts of these elements generate numerous health issues. Therefore, consumers must choose their food sources carefully. Metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic are the main elements with high potential health risks. According to the analyzed studies, the highest value for cadmium was registered in lettuce cultivated in Romania; excessive amounts of lead were found in apple samples from Ukraine and Kosovo, but also in lettuce or red potatoes from Romania; and arsenic presented alarming values in lettuce from Florida. 
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Scutarașu, Elena Cristina, and Lucia Carmen Trincă. “Heavy Metals in Foods and Beverages: Global Situation, Health Risks and Reduction Methods.” Foods (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 12,18 3340. 6 Sep. 2023, doi:10.3390/foods12183340

TOXIC AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN RICE AND OTHER GRAINS

White rice from Thailand, India, and Italy showed higher median concentrations of toxic metal such as As, Pb, and Cd compared to white rice from the US. Lead and Cd concentrations did not exceed the codex standards; however, Arsenic (As) concentrations in brown rice and one white rice from US exceeded the codex standards.
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TatahMentan, Mom et al. “Toxic and Essential Elements in Rice and Other Grains from the United States and Other Countries.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 17,21 8128. 3 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijerph17218128

CONTAMINENTS IN FISH AND CLAMS IN SINCLAIR AND DYES INLET 1992

Concentrations of several metals in fish from Sinclair and Dyes Inlets exceeded those found in comparable studies in the same area and were equivalent or higher than fish from other urban bays. Most importantly, mercury in fish in the present study (0.4 mg/kg) approached the FDA action limit of 1 mg/kg. The California limit is 0.5 mg/kg.
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Contaminants in Fish and Clams in Sinclair and Dyes Inlet
Washington State Department of Ecology 1992
https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications/documents/92e09.pdf

SEPARATING THE EMPIRICAL WHEAT FROM THE PSEUDOSCIENTIFIC CHAFF: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE SURROUNDING GLYPHOSATE, DYSBIOSIS AND WHEAT-SENSITIVITY
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While the current review focused on the agricultural practice of desiccating wheat, it should be noted that many crops, including legumes, corn, and soy, have been shown to contain high glyphosate residues due to desiccation and the advancement of glyphosate-resistant crops. Eliminating wheat from one’s diet does not guarantee the elimination of glyphosate exposure. However, wheat products have been shown in independent testing to contain higher residues post-processing and make up a significant portion of the average North American’s dietary glyphosate exposure.

Barnett, Jacqueline A, and Deanna L Gibson. “Separating the Empirical Wheat From the Pseudoscientific Chaff: A Critical Review of the Literature Surrounding Glyphosate, Dysbiosis and Wheat-Sensitivity.” Frontiers in microbiology vol. 11 556729. 25 Sep. 2020, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2020.556729

It is really hard to avoid glyphosate and pesticides. However, USDA Organic certified products must be grown or produced without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers. This includes glyphosate. Can there still be glyphosate in USDA Organic flours and foods? Yes. We don't grow our food in a bubble and things can waft, drift, or otherwise meander from a non-organic farm over to an organic farm. Organic foods should have less glyphosate, so it is something to consider.

Fires release particulates and heavy metals into the air. Trees absorb heavy metals, but when homes and other man made structures burn, that's when the pollution is the worst.

METAL TOXIN THREAT IN WILDLAND FIRES DETERMINED BY GEOLOGY AND FIRE SEVERITY

Accentuated by climate change, catastrophic wildfires are a growing, distributed global public health risk from inhalation of smoke and dust. Underrecognized, however, are the health threats arising from fire-altered toxic metals natural to soils and plants. Here, we demonstrate that high temperatures during California wildfires catalyzed widespread transformation of chromium to its carcinogenic form in soil and ash, as hexavalent chromium, particularly in areas with metal-rich geologies (e.g., serpentinite). In wildfire ash, we observed dangerous levels (327-13,100 µg kg−1) of reactive hexavalent chromium in wind-dispersible particulates.

Lopez, A.M., Pacheco, J.L. & Fendorf, S. Metal toxin threat in wildland fires determined by geology and fire severity. Nat Commun 14, 8007 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43101-9

BEYOND PARTICULATE MATTER MASS: HEIGHTENED LEVELS OF LEAD AND OTHER POLLUTANTS ASSOCIATED WITH DESTRUCTIVE FIRE EVENTS IN CALIFORNIA

This study finds elevated concentrations of metals mobilized by wildfires destroying infrastructure in California over the last decade, raising potential health concerns for downwind communities.

Boaggio, Katie et al. “Beyond Particulate Matter Mass: Heightened Levels of Lead and Other Pollutants Associated with Destructive Fire Events in California.” Environmental science & technology vol. 56,20 (2022): 14272-14283. doi:10.1021/acs.est.2c02099

Research in the 2020's is demonstrating a link between PFAS / heavy metals and cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries).

HEAVY METAL EXPOSURE COULD INCREASE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK, STUDY FINDS

Now, a new study is adding to emerging research showing that exposure to metals such as cadmium, uranium and copper may also be associated with the leading cause of death worldwide — cardiovascular disease.
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Rogers, Kristen. “Heavy Metal Exposure Could Increase Cardiovascular Disease Risk, Study Finds.” CNN, 20 Sept. 2024, www.cnn.com/2024/09/20/health/heavy-metal-exposure-cardiovascular-disease-wellness/index.html. Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.

You may want to test the water coming out of your faucet and the dirt that your are digging in. While your water provider rigorously tests the water going to your house. They don't test what comes out of your faucet. As we researched in this other post, there are ways for your water to get contaminated on the home stretch. Air pollution like the Tacoma Plume we researched in this post, may have contaminated your soil.

ARE SOME METALS IN TATTOO INKS HARMFUL TO HEALTH?
In this study, amounts of some metals were measured in samples taken from the market, and some of the amounts were found to be above the concentrations specified in the guidelines and in amounts that could pose a risk to public health. Reliable results were obtained by validating the method and choosing the best acid combination for the preparation of the samples.
Many people may not be aware that they can get harmful effects by the chemicals of tattoo inks. We believe that it will be beneficial to make the results open to public and to inform tattoo artists and people who have tattooed, albeit limited, when deciding to purchase tattoo ink.
Karadagli, Sumru Sozer et al. “Are Some Metals in Tattoo Inks Harmful to Health? An Analytical Approach.” Chemical research in toxicology vol. 36,1 (2023): 104-111. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00323

There are so many great vitamins and minerals in our fruits and vegetables. The more you dig into it the more you learn that the garden is a pharmacy. Your health is built on your diet.

DIETARY STRATEGIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF CADMIUM AND LEAD TOXICITY
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We recommend that people who are at risk of exposure to toxic metals ensure a sufficient intake of essential elements and vitamins and enhance their consumption of vegetables and fruit.  Some edible plants, such as tomatoes (rich in iron, calcium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B and C, quercetin and naringenin), berries (rich in essential elements, vitamin C, anthocyanin and catechin), onions (rich in selenium, quercetin and vitamins B and C), garlics (rich in sulphur-containing compounds, essential elements and vitamins C and E) and grapes (rich in vitamins, essential elements and anthocyanin) are of special importance as natural antagonists to Cadmium and Lead toxicity and should be consumed on a regular basis.
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Zhai, Qixiao et al. “Dietary strategies for the treatment of cadmium and lead toxicity.” Nutrients vol. 7,1 552-71. 14 Jan. 2015, doi:10.3390/nu7010552

A STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF GARLIC TO THE HEAVY METAL POISONING OF RAT

When garlic (Allium sativum) was administered to rat per os simultaneously with cadmium, methylmercury and phenylmercury to detect the protective effect against the heavy metal poisoning, accumulation of heavy metals in liver, kidneys, bone and testes were decreased, and histopathological damages and the inhibition of serum alkaline phosphatase activities by heavy metals were reduced. The protective effect of garlic was superior to those of 2,3 dimercapto-1-propanol (BAL) and D-penicillamine (PEN), and nearly similar to those of 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (APEN), the current remedies, while garlic was not effective as a curative agent for heavy metal poisoning. 

Cha, C W. “A study on the effect of garlic to the heavy metal poisoning of rat.” Journal of Korean medical science vol. 2,4 (1987): 213-24. doi:10.3346/jkms.1987.2.4.213

Echinacea is linked to reducing oxidative stress which fights Mercury effects.

MULTI-PROTECTIVE ROLE OF ECHINACEA PURPUREA L. WATER EXTRACT IN ALLIUM CEPA L. AGAINST MERCURY(II) CHLORIDE

Data from this study showed that potent antioxidant capacity of Echinacea purpurea L. combats the Mercury-induced genotoxic effects by reducing the oxidative stress.

Yalçın, Emine et al. “Multi-protective role of Echinacea purpurea L. water extract in Allium cepa L. against mercury(II) chloride.” Environmental science and pollution research international vol. 28,44 (2021): 62868-62876. doi:10.1007/s11356-021-15097-6

Certain fibers such as wheat bran and pectin act as a shield. They protect our gut microbiome from the negative changes from heavy metal exposure. They are especially helpful guarding us from arsenic and cadmium.

SPECIFIC DIETARY FIBERS PREVENT HEAVY METAL DISRUPTION OF THE HUMAN GUT MICROBIOTA IN VITRO

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different heavy metals (As, Cd and Hg in different concentrations) on gut microbiota in the presence and absence of different dietary fibers that included fructooligosaccharides, pectin, resistant starch, and wheat bran. We observed that whereas heavy metals impaired fiber fermentation outcomes for some fiber types, the presence of fibers generally protected gut microbial communities from heavy metal-induced changes, especially for Arsenic and Cadmium. Notably, the protective effects varied depending on fiber types, and heavy metal type and concentration and were overall stronger for wheat bran and pectin than other fiber types. 

Román-Ochoa, Yony et al. “Specific dietary fibers prevent heavy metal disruption of the human gut microbiota in vitro.” Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.) vol. 176 (2024): 113858. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113858

Should you be testing to find out if you have too many heavy metals in your body before you do something about it? Maybe not. Testing methods need to evolve to be more reliable and cost effective. Results need to be carefully interpreted. Caution needs to be taken to ensure that the stress from diagnosis and resulting treatments don't do more harm than good.

The cost of treating heavy metal toxicity (Zeolite Clinoptilolite and Chlorella) is less expensive than testing for the presence of stored heavy metals in your body. So when it feels safe to assume that most people have exposure to toxins, it may be reasonable to treat toxicity without the burden of proving the source of chronic health problems.

DOC, CAN YOU TEST ME FOR "TOXIC METALS"? CHALLENGES OF TESTING FOR TOXICANTS IN PATIENTS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Targeted environmental laboratory testing may be warranted in a patient based on findings of a thorough environmental history and physical exam, but should not include a “shotgun” approach for a variety of toxicants.
Acting on the results of inappropriate tests may lead to significant health-related costs due to associated treatments and procedures, in pediatric patients this may be particularly problematic. 
“Provocation” urine testing is an inappropriate environmental test that measures urinary excretion of metals after administration of a chelating agent such as 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA; succimer). These tests offer no reliable diagnostic value, as there are no validated reference ranges for “provoked” urine metals in children; further, there are potential side effects from chelating agents.
Further, if urine metal tests are ordered incorrectly, the results can be misinterpreted and lead to stress in the family or misdiagnosis of toxicity. If a provider is concerned about arsenic toxicity, the urinary arsenic test should be ordered with “speciation” (rather than total arsenic) to determine if the arsenic is the “organic” or “inorganic” form. 
Hair analysis for elements (including metals) is increasing in popularity and can lead to potentially misleading and/or spurious results. These tests cannot distinguish if the metal is biologically deposited within the hair or externally deposited on the hair’s surface from sources such as air pollution, dust, or hair treatments. 

Zajac, Lauren et al. “Doc, can you test me for "toxic metals"? Challenges of testing for toxicants in patients with environmental concerns.” Current problems in pediatric and adolescent health care vol. 50,2 (2020): 100762. doi:10.1016/j.cppeds.2020.100762

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF MEDICAL TOXICOLOGY POSITION STATEMENT ON POST-CHELATOR CHALLENGE URINARY METAL TESTING

Unfortunately, the practice of post-challenge urine metal testing and its application to assessment of metal poisoning often leads to unwarranted and prolonged oral and/or intravenous administration of chelating agents, in response to the results of serial post-challenge testing that remain elevated above non-challenge reference values. Chelation therapy based on such laboratory values, in addition to being of no benefit to patient outcome, may actually prove harmful; catastrophic outcomes such as acute fatal hypocalcemia have been reported following the improper use of a chelating agent, edetate disodium (Na2–EDTA). In addition, the safer formulation of this agent, CaNa2–EDTA, has been demonstrated to increase urinary excretion of essential minerals such as iron, copper, and zinc.

American College of Medical Toxicology. “American College of Medical Toxicology position statement on post-chelator challenge urinary metal testing.” Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology vol. 6,1 (2010): 74-5. doi:10.1007/s13181-010-0039-0

The endocrine system releases hormones telling our bodies when do everything. This includes growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, mood, homeostasis, and our sleep-wake cycle. Toxins disrupt the normal release of hormones from our various endocrine glands.

PERSPECTIVES IN ENDOCRINE TOXICITY OF HEAVY METALS- A REVIEW

Toxic metals can cause structural and functional changes in the adrenal glands. Certain metals can cause injury to the endocrine pancreas. Exposure to them can cause diabetes mellitus and disturb insulin homeostasis. 
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Rana, S V S. “Perspectives in endocrine toxicity of heavy metals--a review.” Biological trace element research vol. 160,1 (2014): 1-14. doi:10.1007/s12011-014-0023-7

EFFECTS OF ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING HEAVY METALS ON HUMAN HEALTH

​This review collects current knowledge regarding the endocrine-disrupting roles of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn), summarizes the possible molecular mechanisms of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and briefly evaluates their endocrine toxicity on animals and humans.
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Liu, Dongling et al. “Effects of Endocrine-Disrupting Heavy Metals on Human Health.” Toxics vol. 11,4 322. 29 Mar. 2023, doi:10.3390/toxics11040322

Even low blood lead levels are linked to increased levels of tooth decay and cavities in 2-6 year olds.

BLOOD LEVELS OF THE HEAVY METAL, LEAD, AND CARIES IN CHILDREN AGED 24-72 MONTHS 

This study indicates that even low blood lead levels are associated with increased dental  caries extent/severity in early life. Dental caries are also known as tooth decay or cavities.
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Wiener, R Constance et al. “Blood levels of the heavy metal, lead, and caries in children aged 24-72 months: NHANES III.” Caries research vol. 49,1 (2015): 26-33. doi:10.1159/000365297

Lead, mercury, and cadmium are linked to increased arthritis. Arthritis includes Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Psoriasis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, and Gout.

​COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF HEAVY METALS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND HEALTHY CONTROL IN PAKISTANI POPULATION

​Concentration of heavy metals in serum samples of rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy control individuals differ significantly which shows that heavy metals may have contribution towards development of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Irfan, Shazia et al. “Comparative Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Healthy Control in Pakistani Population.” Iranian journal of public health vol. 46,5 (2017): 626-633.

HEAVY METALS IN FISH AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH AUTOIMMUNITY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS: A PROSPECTIVE BIRTH COHORT STUDY

Moderate exposure to heavy metals, associated with fish consumption, during pregnancy and early childhood may cause effects on the immune system of the offspring, resulting in ANA positivity and JIA.

Aluminium is a potent stimulator of the immune system, which is the very reason it is used as an adjuvant. In the absence of Al most vaccinations fail to launch an adequate immune response. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 and interleukin-6, are needed for adequate stimulation of antibody-producing B-cells. These cytokines are induced by Al adjuvants in vaccines. Our results showed that cord blood aluminium does not correlate with fish consumption, but correlate with development of JIA. We have no explanation for this results. One can speculate about the source of the aluminium that leads to higher cord blood levels of Aluminium in JIA patients. Certain families may have been cooking in aluminium containers more often than other families. Another source could be intake of aluminium from foods (other than fish) or consumed by using aluminium-containing pharmaceuticals.

Kindgren, Erik et al. “Heavy metals in fish and its association with autoimmunity in the development of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a prospective birth cohort study.” Pediatric rheumatology online journal vol. 17,1 33. 2 Jul. 2019, doi:10.1186/s12969-019-0344-3

METALS AS A COMMON TRIGGER OF INFLAMMATION RESULTING IN NON-SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

In this study, reduction of inflammation-causing metals resulted in an alleviation of symptoms and long-term health improvement. The decrease of metal-specific lymphocyte responses in vitro after removal of sensitizing metals supports the clinical relevance of these findings. 

In addition to their well-known toxic effects, heavy and transition metals might function as immunologically active haptens as well as possess potent adjuvant inflammatory potential. In susceptible patients, chronic low dose exposure to metals may trigger inflammation and exacerbate already existing diseases. Cytokine release with deregulate the HPA axis and trigger non-specific symptoms, including profound fatigue and joint pain. In patients suffering from CFS, fibromyalgia or ASIA, laboratory markers of metal allergy, such as metal-specific memory lymphocytes, should always be measured. The proposed treatment protocol follows the standard procedure used in allergology and dermatology: namely, avoidance of exposure to sensitizing agent(s).

Lastly, it is of utmost importance to increase awareness among health professionals regarding the risk for systemic side effects caused by metal exposure in immunologically sensitized patients.

Stejskal, Vera. “Metals as a common trigger of inflammation resulting in non-specific symptoms: diagnosis and treatment.” The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ vol. 16,12 (2014): 753-8.

Copper and manganese may be associated with increased immunoinflammatory markers. These markers are associated with coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MULTIPLE-HEAVY-METAL EXPOSURES AND SYSTEMIC IMMUNE INFLAMMATION IN A MIDDLE-AGED AND ELDERLY CHINESE GENERAL POPULATION 

Plasma metals Copper and Manganese were positively correlated with immunoinflammatory markers SII, NLR and PLR. While plasma metal Iron was negatively correlated with immunoinflammatory markers SII, NLR, and PLR. 
​
Zhao, Linhai et al. “Correction: Association between multiple-heavy-metal exposures and systemic immune inflammation in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese general population.” BMC public health vol. 24,1 1745. 30 Jun. 2024, doi:10.1186/s12889-024-19124-2

Heavy metals impact the function of our brains in ways that mimic or exacerbate autism spectrum disorders and ADHD.

MECHANISMS ASSOCIATED WITH COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL IMPAIRMENT INDUCED BY ARSENIC EXPOSURE

Inorganic and methylated arsenic species can accumulate in different tissues including the brain, in which the accumulation is region-specific. Perinatal exposure to arsenic leads to long-term behavioral, cognitive, and motor deficits. The neurotoxic mechanisms of arsenic include exacerbated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired synaptic activity, which drive cell damage and, ultimately, cell death.
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Vázquez Cervantes, Gustavo Ignacio et al. “Mechanisms Associated with Cognitive and Behavioral Impairment Induced by Arsenic Exposure.” Cells vol. 12,21 2537. 28 Oct. 2023, doi:10.3390/cells12212537

METAL PROFILES IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: A CROSSTALK BETWEEN TOXIC AND ESSENTIAL METALS

Intriguingly, metals affect the critical molecular aspects of ASD, including oxidative stress, inflammation, synapse development, synaptic communication, brain connectivity, and gut-brain signaling.
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Błażewicz, Anna, and Andreas M Grabrucker. “Metal Profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Crosstalk between Toxic and Essential Metals.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 24,1 308. 24 Dec. 2022, doi:10.3390/ijms24010308

HEAVY METALS' EFFECT ON SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER: IMPLICATION OF LEAD, CADMIUM, AND ANTIMONY

Our findings indicate metals’ relationship to susceptibility to ADHD, especially for lead, cadmium, and antimony. Children’s neurocognitive function is particularly correlated to lead levels. 
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Lee, Min-Jing et al. “Heavy Metals' Effect on Susceptibility to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Implication of Lead, Cadmium, and Antimony.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 15,6 1221. 10 Jun. 2018, doi:10.3390/ijerph15061221

Heavy metals are hard on your brain. There are associations between toxins and Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Guillain–Barré disease, Gulf War syndrome, Huntington's disease, MS, and Wilson's disease.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HEAVY METAL EXPOSURE AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE: A REVIEW OF THE MECHANISMS RELATED TO OXIDATIVE STRESS

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a gradually progressing neurodegenerative condition that is marked by a loss of motor coordination along with non-motor features. Although the precise cause of PD has not been determined, the disease condition is mostly associated with the exposure to environmental toxins, such as metals, and their abnormal accumulation in the brain. Heavy metals, such as iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb), have been linked to PD and contribute to its progression.
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Pyatha, Sarita et al. “Association between Heavy Metal Exposure and Parkinson's Disease: A Review of the Mechanisms Related to Oxidative Stress.” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 11,12 2467. 15 Dec. 2022, doi:10.3390/antiox11122467

METALS AND NEURODEGENERATION

Once metals have accumulated in the nervous system, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and protein misfolding are the most common deficits associated with metal-induced toxicity. Once injured, neurons have to expend greater energy to synthesize neurotransmitters and maintain homeostasis. The increased burden combined with the neurotoxicity may lead to neuronal death. When some neurons are lost, the job has to be passed on to other neurons, initiating a vicious cycle of toxicity. Given that the nervous system does not regenerate as well as other systems do, the neurodegeneration and impairments usually become progressive with age, as typically seen in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. 

Chen, Pan et al. “Metals and Neurodegeneration.” F1000Research vol. 5 F1000 Faculty Rev-366. 17 Mar. 2016, doi:10.12688/f1000research.7431.1