Metal Toxicity: Health Dangers of Nickel

Metal Toxicity: Health Dangers of Nickel

Nickel is a metal, commonly used to make coins, magnets, jewelry, stainless steel, electronics, and components of industrial machines. Most people are familiar with the attractive mirror-finish that can be achieved by nickel plating. However, despite the beautiful appearance, nickel exposure, especially in industrial and occupational settings, can present significant health hazards.



Effects of Nickel Exposure

Nickel is one of many carcinogenic metals known to be an environmental and occupational pollutant. The New York University School of Medicine warns that chronic exposure has been connected with increased risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological deficits, developmental deficits in childhood, and high blood pressurehttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/hh/highbloodpressure.php. [1]

Nickel exposure introduces free radicals which lead to oxidative damage http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=32801 and may also affect the kidneys and liver. [2] In 2012, Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture administered liver function tests to 25 nickel-plating workers. Results showed they overwhelmingly suffered from compromised liver function. [3]



Researchers at Dominican University of California have linked nickel exposure to breast cancer. How? Well, nickel is believed to bind to estrogen receptors and mimic the actions of estrogen. It is well established that lifetime estrogen exposure is a breast cancer http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/cc/breastcancer.php risk factor, and, unfortunately, even this “imposter estrogen” contributes to the risk. [4]

Additionally, nickel has been identified as a toxin that severely damages reproductive health and can lead to infertilityhttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/ii/infertility.php, miscarriage, birth defects, and nervous system defects. [5] [6]

Why is Nickel Toxic?

Having toxic metals in your body http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=33808 is like having sugar in your gas tank. It’s simply not built to process the material and severe mechanical problems are going to result. No, they don’t just “pass right through.” According to the National Cancer Institute at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, metals are not inert, they have biological activity. [7]

Nickel toxicity, specifically, was evaluated by researcheres at Michigan State University who found it presented a multi-tiered toxic attack. First, nickel causes essential metal imbalances. It severely disrupts enzyme action and regulation. Finally, it causes and contributes to a high amount of oxidative stress. [8]

Occupational Exposure to Nickel

Nickel is widely used in industry, primarily refining, electroplating, and welding. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health warns that workers who inhale nickel laced dust and fumes are at an increased risk for lung cancer http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=33697 and fibrosis. [9]

The increasingly common use of nanoparticles has introduced a new generation of health concerns… with good reason. South Africa’s National Institute for Occupational Health recently attributed the death of a 38-year-old man to respiratory distress caused by inhaling nickel nanoparticles during an industrial manufacturing process. [10]

Casual Exposure to Nickel

Did you know orthodontics (braces) may contain nickel? Because they are in contact with saliva, acidic fluids, and temperature changes, the United Kingdom’s Bristol Dental Hospital warns that corrosion and subsequent ingestion may be an item for concern. [11]

Additionally, people like shiny things and nickel is shiny, which is why a lot of jewelry contains nickel. Perhaps you have seen some jewelry selections that are “nickel free?” This supply exists to serve the 10-20% of the population who are sensitive to nickel and experience a rash when it touches their skin.

Mitigating Nickel Exposure

Tests can be performed to determine the presence of nickel in the body but the resulting adverse health effects cannot be predicted. Minimizing your exposure risks is a solid course of action. Most people can simply avoid jewelry that contains nickel but but if you work in an affected industry, you may want to seriously consider your potential health hazards.

There is one positive item to mention. A study out of Saudi Arabia confirmed the toxic effects of nickel nanoparticles on the airway and lungs. More interesting, however, is that researchers reported a reduction in toxicity and oxidative stress when curcumin http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=33602 was introduced. [12]

by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM



References:

1. Chervona Y, Arita A, Costa M. Carcinogenic metals and the epigenome: understanding the effect of nickel, arsenic, and chromiumhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22473328. Metallomics. 2012 Jul;4(7):619-27. doi: 10.1039/c2mt20033c. Epub 2012 Apr 3. Review.

2. Das KK, Das SN, Dhundasi SA. Nickel, its adverse health effects & oxidative stress http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19106437. Indian J Med Res. 2008 Oct;128(4):412-25. Review.

3. El-Shafei HM. Assessment of liver function among nickel-plating workers in Egypt http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21796966. East Mediterr Health J. 2011 Jun;17(6):490-4.

4. Aquino NB, Sevigny MB, Sabangan J, Louie MC. The role of cadmium and nickel in estrogen receptor signaling and breast cancer: metalloestrogens or not?http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22970719 J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev. 2012;30(3):189-224. doi: 10.1080/10590501.2012.705159. Review.

5. Forgacs Z, Massányi P, Lukac N, Somosy Z. Reproductive toxicology of nickel – review http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22540648. J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng. 2012;47(9):1249-60. doi: 10.1080/10934529.2012.672114. Review.

6. Apostoli P, Catalani S. Metal ions affecting reproduction and development http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21473384. Met Ions Life Sci. 2011;8:263-303.

7. Tokar EJ, Benbrahim-Tallaa L, Waalkes MP. Metal ions in human cancer development http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21473387. Met Ions Life Sci. 2011;8:375-401.

8. Macomber L, Hausinger RP. Mechanisms of nickel toxicity in microorganisms http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21799955. Metallomics. 2011 Nov;3(11):1153-62. doi: 10.1039/c1mt00063b. Epub 2011 Jul 28.

9. Zhao J, Shi X, Castranova V, Ding M. Occupational toxicology of nickel and nickel compounds http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19888907. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2009;28(3):177-208. Review.

10. Phillips JI, Green FY, Davies JC, Murray J. Pulmonary and systemic toxicity following exposure to nickel nanoparticles http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20623660. Am J Ind Med. 2010 Aug;53(8):763-7. doi: 10.1002/ajim.20855.

11. House K, Sernetz F, Dymock D, Sandy JR, Ireland AJ. Corrosion of orthodontic appliances–should we care? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18405823 Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2008 Apr;133(4):584-92. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2007.03.021. Review.

12. Siddiqui MA, Ahamed M, Ahmad J, Majeed Khan MA, Musarrat J, Al-Khedhairy AA, Alrokayan SA. Nickel oxide nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis in cultured human cells that is abrogated by the dietary antioxidant curcumin http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22273695. Food Chem Toxicol. 2012 Mar;50(3-4):641-7. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.01.017. Epub 2012 Jan 18.

Read more

9 Shocking Dangers of Fluoride Exposure

9 Shocking Dangers of Fluoride Exposure

Exposure to fluoride is a contentious topic, mostly because exposure is everywhere. Not only is fluoride a common ingredient in toothpaste, many municipalities have a fluoridated water supply. Why? Well, the reason we’re given is that it encourages oral health… even though it’s not known to prevent harmful oral bacteria. [1] What is known is that fluoride is toxic. In fact, the number one reason for poison control calls concerning fluoride are for children who’ve eaten toothpaste. [2] [3] Long-term ingestion is harmful to the brain, digestive systemhttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=32748, heart, bones… even the tooth enamel it’s supposed to help. [4] [5] [6] These next 9 shocking facts will make you take a second look at your exposure to fluoride.



1. Weakens Skeletal Health

Skeletal fluorosis is a condition resulting from fluoride consumption. The liver is unable to process fluoride, thus it passes into the bloodstream where it combines with calciumhttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33164 that’s been leeched from the skeletal system. You’re left with weak bones, otherwise known as skeletal fluorosis. The risk has been known about for decades yet it’s not been established how much exposure will trigger skeletal fluorosis… and the impact it has on quality of life is horrendous. [7] [8] [9] The best way to protect yourself is to avoid fluoride http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=32737. Recently, Chinese authorities established a link between reductions in fluoride exposure and the incidence of fluorosis. [10]



2. Causes Arthritis

Fluoride has been shown to cause calcification of cartilage, the essential tissue for joint health. [11] Degenerative osteoarthritis http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/aa/osteoarthritis.phphas been linked to skeletal fluorosis. [12] And in a study of individuals suffering from fluorosis, osteoarthritis knee conditions occurred frequently. [13]

3. Toxic to the Thyroid

Iodine http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=32220 and fluoride belong to a family of compounds known as halogens. Although iodinehttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=30707 is beneficial to the thyroid, fluoride is not. However, because of the similarities, the thyroid can absorb fluoride instead of iodine. This is bad. Fluoride is toxic to thyroid cells; it inhibits function and causes cell death. [14] For decades, fluoride was used to reduce thyroid function in individuals suffering from an overactive thyroid. [15] Now — and pay attention to this — the range used in water fluoridation matches the levels typically used to reduce thyroid function. [16]

4. Calcifies the Ultra-Important Pineal Gland

Although the full capabilities of the pineal gland http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=122&t=33753 have been the subject of debate for centuries, it’s known for certain that, at a minimum, the pineal gland regulates body rhythms and wake-sleep cycles; two extremely important functions. Fluoride is especially toxic to the pineal gland, where it accumulates and calcifies the gland. In fact, by the time the average person reaches old age, their pineal gland will have higher calcium density http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=30881 than their bones. [17]

5. Accelerates Female Puberty

It also deserves mention that the pineal gland plays an integral role in the onset of puberty. Research has shown that girls living in areas prone to more fluoride exposure experience puberty earlier than girls exposed to less. [18] Fluoride’s damaging effect on sexual function only begins here…

6. Harmful to Male and Female Fertility

A direct link exists between fertility rates and fluoridated drinking water. Higher levels of fluoride correspond to lower fertility rates, particularly with drinking water levels of 3 ppm. [19] Animal models show that fluoride reduces reproductive hormones in females. [20] Men have it just as bad; those suffering from fluorosis have lower testosterone and fertility than men with limited fluoride exposure. [21]


7. Bad for Kidney Health

Fluoride is toxic to the kidneys and a higher rate of chronic kidney disease has been reported in areas where the water contains high levels of fluoride. [22] [23] According to Chinese researchers, a fluoride level of 2 mg/L is all it takes to cause renal damage in children. [24] While water fluoridation levels are often much lower than this, the fluoride bombardment continues with toothpaste and other sources.

8. Harmful to the Cardiovascular System

Research suggests that exposure to fluoride causes cardiovascular inflammation and atherosclerosis http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/aa/atherosclerosis.htm. [25] [26] Other research has examined its effect on blood pressure but had mixed results. Regardless, despite that cardiovascular disease can have many causes, the evidence, and history show its incidence increases with exposure to fluoride.

9. Negative Cognitive Effects

The Fluoride Action Network reports that, as of May 2013, 43 studies have examined the effect of fluoride on human intelligence. The results should motivate anyone to minimize their fluoride exposure. One observation is that fluoride negatively impacts children’s neural development. [27] Another is that children living in highly fluoridated areas have up to five times greater chance of developing a low IQ compared to those who do not. [28]

• Detoxadine
• $24.95
• [Learn More]
• BUY NOW
• Detoxadine is a high-quality daily iodine supplement that will supply you with your recommended daily allowance. Made from dietary transformative iodine in a bio-elemental nanocolloidal state, Detoxadine is gentle on your stomach and will not sting or burn when used externally.

Reducing Your Exposure to Fluoride

Using non-fluoride toothpaste can immediately reduce your fluoride exposure. Maintaining healthy iodine levels can help protect the thyroid from fluoride. Fluoridated water is the largest concern and most water filters are not adequate for removing fluoride; instead look to a reverse osmosis water purification systems.

Have you made efforts to reduce your exposure and minimize the dangers of fluoride? What tips do you have? Please leave a comment below and share with us.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

1. Puciennik-Stronias M, Zarzycka B, Bo?tacz-Rzepkowska E. The effects of topical fluoridation of enamel on the growth of cariogenic bacteria contained in the dental plaquehttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24187711. Med Dosw Mikrobiol. 2013;65(2):129-32.

2. Shulman JD, Wells LM. Acute fluoride toxicity from ingesting home-use dental products in children, birth to 6 years of age http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9383753. J Public Health Dent. 1997 Summer;57(3):150-8.

3. Whitford GM. Acute toxicity of ingested fluoride http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21701192. Monogr Oral Sci. 2011;22:66-80. doi: 10.1159/000325146. Epub 2011 Jun 23.

4. C. J. Spak, S. Sjöstedt, L. Eleborg, B. Veress, L. Perbeck, and J. Ekstrand. Tissue response of gastric mucosa after ingestion of fluoride http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1836770. BMJ. 1989 June 24; 298(6689): 1686–1687.

5. Sauerheber R. Physiologic conditions affect toxicity of ingested industrial fluoride http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23840230. J Environ Public Health. 2013;2013:439490. doi: 10.1155/2013/439490. Epub 2013 Jun 6.

6. Perumal E, Paul V, Govindarajan V, Panneerselvam L. A brief review on experimental fluorosis http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24050947. Toxicol Lett. 2013 Nov 25;223(2):236-51. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2013.09.005. Epub 2013 Sep 17.

7. Czerwinski E, Nowak J, Dabrowska D, Skolarczyk A, Kita B, Ksiezyk M. Bone and joint pathology in fluoride-exposed workers http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3178291. Arch Environ Health. 1988 Sep-Oct;43(5):340-3.

8. Chachra D, Limeback H, Willett TL, Grynpas MD. The long-term effects of water fluoridation on the human skeleton http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20858781. J Dent Res. 2010 Nov;89(11):1219-23. doi: 10.1177/0022034510376070. Epub 2010 Sep 21.

9. Paiste M, Levine M, Bono JV. Total knee arthroplasty in a patient with skeletal fluorosis http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23127462. Orthopedics. 2012 Nov;35(11):e1664-7. doi: 10.3928/01477447-20121023-29.

10. Chen H, Yan M, Yang X, Chen Z, Wang G, Schmidt-Vogt D, Xu Y, Xu J. Spatial distribution and temporal variation of high fluoride contents in groundwater and prevalence of fluorosis in humans in Yuanmou County, Southwest China http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22910453. J Hazard Mater. 2012 Oct 15;235-236:201-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2012.07.042. Epub 2012 Aug 8.

11. Bang S, Boivin G, Gerster JC, Baud CA. Distribution of fluoride in calcified cartilage of a fluoride-treated osteoporotic patient http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4052272. Bone. 1985;6(4):207-10.

12. P. Roschger, P. Fratzl, S. Schreiber, G. Kalchhauser, H. Plenk, K. Koller, J. Eschberggrill, K. Klaushofer. Bone mineral structure after six years fluoride treatment investigated by backscattered electron imaging (BSEI) and small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS): a case reporthttp://www.researchgate.net/publication/245964571_Bone_mineral_structure_after_six_years_fluoride_treatment_investigated_by_backscattered_electron_imaging_%28BSEI%29_and_small_angle_X-ray_scattering_%28SAXS%29_A_case_report. Bone (Impact Factor: 3.82). 01/1995; 16(3):407-407. DOI:10.1016/8756-3282(95)90480-8.

13. Savas S, Cetin M, Akdoan M, Heybeli N. Endemic fluorosis in Turkish patients: relationship with knee osteoarthritis http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11678300. Rheumatology International. Rheumatol Int. 2001 Sep;21(1):30-5.

14. Zeng Q, Cui YS, Zhang L, Fu G, Hou CC, Zhao L, Wang AG, Liu HL. Studies of fluoride on the thyroid cell apoptosis and mechanism http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22800594. Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2012 Mar;46(3):233-6.

15. Merck & Co. The Merck Index, 1968 Edition http://www.fluoridealert.org/wp-content/uploads/merck-1968.pdf. Rahway NJ. USA. (last accessed (01-10-2014)

16. FluorideAlert.org. Thyroid http://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/thyroid/. (last accessed (01-10-2014)

17. Luke J. Fluoride deposition in the aged human pineal gland http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11275672. Caries Res. 2001 Mar-Apr;35(2):125-8.

18. Luke J. The Effect of Fluoride on the Physiology of the Pineal Gland http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/895/. Ph.D Dissertation, School of Biological Sciences, University of Surrey, UK. 1997.

19. Freni SC. Exposure to high fluoride concentrations in drinking water is associated with decreased birth rates http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8169995. J Toxicol Environ Health. 1994 May;42(1):109-21.

20. Zhou Y, Qiu Y, He J, Chen X, Ding Y, Wang Y, Liu X. The toxicity mechanism of sodium fluoride on fertility in female rats http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24071475. Food Chem Toxicol. 2013 Dec;62:566-72. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.09.023. Epub 2013 Sep 23.

21. Susheela AK, Jethanandani P. Circulating testosterone levels in skeletal fluorosis patients http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8618252. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1996;34(2):183-9.

22. Chandrajith R, Nanayakkara S, Itai K, Aturaliya TN, Dissanayake CB, Abeysekera T, Harada K, Watanabe T, Koizumi A. Chronic kidney diseases of uncertain etiology (CKDue) in Sri Lanka: geographic distribution and environmental implications http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20853020. Environ Geochem Health. 2011 Jun;33(3):267-78. doi: 10.1007/s10653-010-9339-1. Epub 2010 Sep 18.

23. Chandrajith R, Dissanayake CB, Ariyarathna T, Herath HM, Padmasiri JP. Dose-dependent Na and Ca in fluoride-rich drinking water–another major cause of chronic renal failure in tropical arid regions http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21109289. Sci Total Environ. 2011 Jan 15;409(4):671-5. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.10.046. Epub 2010 Nov 24.

24. Liu JL, Xia T, Yu YY, Sun XZ, Zhu Q, He W, Zhang M, Wang A. [The dose-effect relationship of water fluoride levels and renal damage in children]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16111031. Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2005 May;34(3):287-8.

25. Varol E, Varol S. Effect of fluoride toxicity on cardiovascular systems: role of oxidative stress http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22572986. Arch Toxicol. 2012 Oct;86(10):1627. doi: 10.1007/s00204-012-0862-y. Epub 2012 May 10.

26. Ma Y, Niu R, Sun Z, Wang J, Luo G, Zhang J, Wang J. Inflammatory responses induced by fluoride and arsenic at toxic concentration in rabbit aortahttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22422340. Arch Toxicol. 2012 Jun;86(6):849-56. doi: 10.1007/s00204-012-0803-9. Epub 2012 Mar 16.

27. Choi AL, Sun G, Zhang Y, Grandjean P. Developmental fluoride neurotoxicity: a systematic review and meta-analysis http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=PMC3491930. Environ Health Perspect. 2012 Oct;120(10):1362-8. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1104912. Epub 2012 Jul 20.

28. Tang QQ, Du J, Ma HH, Jiang SJ, Zhou XJ. Fluoride and children’s intelligence: a meta-analysis [url][/url]. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2008 Winter;126(1-3):115-20. doi: 10.1007/s12011-008-8204-x. Epub 2008 Aug 10.

Read more