Heavy Metal Toxicity and Chelation Therapy

Understanding Heavy Metal Toxicity

Heavy metals, including lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, pose significant health risks when accumulated in the body. These metals can enter through contaminated food, water, air, or occupational exposure.

Sources and Exposure to Heavy Metals

• Industrial Pollution: Factories release heavy metals into the environment.
• Contaminated Water: Old pipes and polluted water sources can contribute to metal exposure.
• Foods: Seafood may contain mercury, and certain vegetables can accumulate lead from soil.
• Medications and Cosmetics: Some products may contain trace amounts of heavy metals.

Health Effects of Heavy Metal Toxicity

Chronic exposure to heavy metals can lead to neurological disorders, renal failure, cardiovascular diseases, and developmental problems.

Chelation Therapy: Treatment for Toxicity

Chelation therapy is a medical treatment that uses chelating agents, such as EDTA, dimercaprol, and DMSA, to bind heavy metals and facilitate their excretion.

Types of Chelating Agents

• EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid): Used for lead poisoning.
• Dimercaprol (BAL): Effective for arsenic and mercury poisoning.
• DMSA (Succimer): Helps eliminate lead from the body.

Safety and Considerations

Chelation therapy should be administered under medical supervision to prevent adverse effects such as kidney damage and essential mineral depletion.