Did you know that the things we use every day, the water we drink, and sometimes even the food we eat can contain substances that are harmful to our bodies? These are what we call 'Heavy Metals'. Some of these are Arsenic , Lead, and Mercury . In fact, these heavy metals are always present in the environment around us, in the soil, water, and in the products we use. But if they enter our bodies in excess, it can be a big problem for our health. If you know about this, you can avoid big problems.
Simply put, what is heavy metal poisoning?
Simply put, heavy metal poisoning is a health condition caused by high doses of a certain heavy metal entering your body. This can disrupt your body's normal functioning and make you sick.
But remember one thing, not all heavy metals are harmful to us. For example, metals like iron and copper are essential for our body to stay healthy in very small amounts. The problem arises when any of these accumulates in excess of the amount needed by the body.
In fact, severe cases of heavy metal poisoning are relatively rare. And doctors say not to believe every "heavy metal test" or "detox" you see online. Not only will they waste your money, some of them can be dangerous.
How do these enter the body? Who is at higher risk?
There are several ways heavy metals can enter the body. You are at higher risk if you are exposed to:
- If you work in a factory that uses heavy metals.
- When renovating old houses, if you inhale old paint dust containing lead.
- If you regularly eat fish caught in areas with high mercury levels.
- Sometimes, substandard local medicines may contain heavy metals.
- If you use cookware (especially some pottery) that is not properly coated to prevent heavy metals from being absorbed into food.
- If you drink water contaminated with heavy metals.
What are the symptoms of this?
The symptoms of this can vary depending on the type and amount of metal that has entered the body. Let's break this down into two parts.
| Type of poisoning | Description and symptoms |
|---|---|
| Acute Poisoning | This happens when a large amount of metal is suddenly ingested. For example, a chemical accident in a factory, or a small child swallowing a toy containing lead. Symptoms can appear suddenly. |
| Chronic Poisoning | This happens gradually, over a long period of time, as low doses of metal accumulate in the body. As the metal builds up in the body, you gradually start to get sick. Symptoms appear gradually.
|
Acute poisoning is a medical emergency. If you or someone else suddenly develops these symptoms, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice, if necessary.
Drinking water containing lead, especially for young children, can impair their brain development and learning abilities. So if you have any concerns about the water in your home, it's wise to have it tested.
How do you find this, Doctor?
If you have these symptoms, your doctor will first ask you about your job, hobbies, diet, and other things you may be exposed to. If heavy metal poisoning is suspected, they may do some special tests to confirm it.
Some of them are:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Kidney function tests
- Urine analysis for proteins
- Liver function tests
- Imaging tests such as X-rays
These tests help your doctor determine if you have heavy metal poisoning, how severe it is, and what type of metal is in your body.
What are the treatments for this?
The first and most important thing is to completely avoid whatever made you sick. That means identifying the source of the metal that caused you to be exposed to it and avoiding it. Your doctor will help you with that.
In some emergency situations, stomach pumping may be necessary to remove ingested metals.
If the poisoning is severe, there is a treatment called chelation . This involves giving you a drug through a vein (IV). This drug goes into your bloodstream and "binds" to the heavy metal particles in your body, removing them from your body in your urine.
Chelation can be a very important treatment. But it can also be risky, and it doesn't work for all heavy metals. So doctors only use it if the metal levels in the body are very high and there are clear symptoms of toxicity.
Let's also learn about fake tests and "detox" treatments on the internet.
Although heavy metal poisoning is a rare condition, many websites on the Internet claim it is very common without any evidence. There are also businesses that sell unreliable tests (e.g. hair analysis) and expensive, potentially dangerous "detox" treatments.
If you suspect heavy metal poisoning, never try to diagnose or treat the condition yourself. Instead, be sure to see your doctor.
How to protect yourself from this situation?
If you have concerns about this, your doctor can give you advice that is tailored to you. In general, be aware of these things:
- If you work with heavy metals, always wear protective equipment, such as a protective mask .
- Find out if the fish you are eating is safe. Some areas may have high mercury levels in the water.
- If you live in a home built before 1978, it's wise to check for lead-based paint.
- When purchasing products, read the label to see if they contain heavy metals.
Take-Home Message
- Although heavy metals are present in our environment, poisoning only occurs if they are ingested in high doses.
- Symptoms can appear suddenly (acute poisoning) or gradually over time (chronic poisoning).
- Sudden symptoms such as vomiting and loss of consciousness are a medical emergency. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Avoid unproven "detox" treatments or tests found online. Never attempt to treat yourself.
- If you have any suspicions of heavy metal poisoning, see your doctor immediately for advice.
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