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.
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8 Horrible Things You Should Know About Lead
For a long time in our history, using lead http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=114&t=32628 to produce various everyday items was common. Largely because of how easy it was to work with. It wasn’t odd to go into a well-to-do 17th-century home and eat off of a lead plate or pour water from a lead jug. Eventually people realized it was toxic, and its use declined. Flash forward to the 21st century: lead may not be in as many things, but it’s still a threat, so here are 8 horrible things you should know about this dangerous compound.
1. There Are No Safe Levels of Lead Exposure
Back in 2012, the Centers for Disease Control lowered its threshold for lead poisoning in kids 6 or younger. While the previous limits was set at 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, this current standard only calls for 5 micrograms. Lead is highly toxic at any age at any level and young children are especially vulnerable: studies suggest that lead poisoning in kids can damage the kidneys, cause hearing loss, and even lower IQ scores. [1] [2] [3]
2. Lead Amplifies the Negative Effects of Aging
Because lead can’t dissipate in the body, it just builds up over time. There’s evidence to suggest that this buildup affects how we age. One study looked at accumulated toxins in bones and noted higher concentrations of lead were associated with cognitive decline in elderly participants. So what does that mean exactly? Well, risks for dementiahttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/aa/alzheimer_disease/alzheimersdisease_3.php, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s diseasehttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/pp/parkinsonsdisease.php go up, and liver and kidney function often goes down. [4]
3. Lead Paint is a Huge Problem in Schools
You’d think that schools would be safe from lead, but recent testing has shown elementary schools, day care centers, and even preschools are some of the worst offenders! [5] Lead-based paint was banned from the US in the late 70s, but this doesn’t mean that older constructions still don’t have it in the walls, and it’s not just administrative buildings that are a concern. Let’s hope the stricter CDC standards for childhood lead exposure can help to one day make this a thing of the past.
4. Lead Shows Up Where You Least Expect It
While it’s banned from automobile gasoline, lead is still used in aviation fuel—and lots of it. An EPA report noted that small planes are one of the biggest problems for U.S. lead emissions. [6] This poses a threat to all health, but especially that of small children and infants. One of the worst things about this type of gas is that its exhaust is invisible, making it easy to overlook the problem. Still, that’s tons and tons of fuel that gives off a lot of nasty toxins.
5. Lead Destroys Community Gardens
Lead won’t decay over time, and it certainly won’t biodegrade. Because of this, it is a soil contaminant, and that’s not the worst of it. If lead leaches into the soil, it affects whatever’s growing in the contaminated area. [7] Root vegetables are especially vulnerable to this exposure. In one instance, a farmer’s market in Brooklyn recently sold carrots poisoned with lead. Researchers at Cornell University published the soil findings after testing the soil of community gardens in New York. It’s not just food; a New Zealand woman learned she and her family were at risk because her chickens were contaminated with the metallic compound. It seems nowhere is completely safe from lead exposure.
6. Kids in High-Risk Areas Are Not Being Tested for Lead Poisoning
While children in low-income areas typically face the biggest threat of lead poisoning, that’s not always the case. If you’re living in an older home with maintenance issues, you put yourself and your family at risk. In Ohio, for example, kids that live in these high-risk areas aren’t being tested–mainly due to lack of awareness. [8] Parents either don’t know the signs, or aren’t aware of state laws regarding testing. In all honesty, federal and state budget cuts leave them with little to no education on the subject. Testing for these children is a concern as any cognitive damage from lead poisoning is permanent. [9]
7. Government Regulations Can’t Save Us
Widespread lead dust was recently discovered in a state office building in Iowa. Makes you wonder how government regulations will save us when it can’t even save itself. [10] Employees had complained of feeling sick in the past, and the Iowa legislature even had plans to rebuild the office in 2013. Those multimillion-dollar plans were vetoed by the governor who simply wanted to renovate the existing building. To recap, state officials won’t protect other state officials from lead toxins. While it’s a sad situation, it gives you a little more perspective on just how pervasive lead can be.
8. Lead is Killing the Environment
Remember earlier when I mentioned the New Zealand woman and her contaminated chickens? Birds, like humans, can feel the toxic effects of lead, and because birds are smaller, the effects can be much harsher. Often, scientists see cognitive and neurological issues; one researcher even noted lead-exposed herring gull chicks would wander into neighboring territories where they were killed. [11] Another study noted the possibility that exposed birds are more prone to collide with objects such as power lines. [12] Lead is killing our environment and our birds are, unfortunately, one of the casualties.
One Final Thought
Lead is a huge threat to our quality of life, but many people aren’t aware of its presence. Avoid purchasing products (toys, especially) from overseas, always looking for lead-free varieties. How do you protect yourself and your family from this poison? Tell us about it in the comments below.
-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
1. Chen, A. et al. Prenatal Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Exposures and Neurodevelopment in U.S. Children through 5 Years of Age: The HOME Studyhttp://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/wp-content/uploads/122/8/ehp.1307562.pdf. Environmental Health Perspectives. 122 (8).
2. Lanphear, BP et al. Low-Level Environmental Lead Exposure and Children’s Intellectual Function: An International Pooled Analysishttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1257652/. Environmental Health Perspectives. 113 (7).
3. Ekong, EB et al. Lead-related nephrotoxicity: a review of the epidemiologic evidence http://www.nature.com/ki/journal/v70/n12/full/5001809a.html. Kidney International. 70 (12).
4. Grossman, E. Time after Time: Environmental Influences on the Aging Brain http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/wp-content/uploads/122/9/ehp.122-A238.pdf. Environmental Health Perspectives. 122 (9).
5. Bradman A, et al. Environmental Exposures in Early Childhood Education Environments http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/apr/past/08-305.pdf. Air Resources Board, California Environmental Protection Agency.
6. EPA. Lead in Air http://www.epa.gov/oaqps001/lead/. Environmental Protection Agency.
7. Mitchell, R. et al. Lead (Pb) and other metals in New York City community garden soils: factors influencing contaminant distributionhttp://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/metals_nyc_gardens.pdf. Environmental Pollution.
8. Ohio Lead Advisory Council. Annual Report: 2013 http://www.odh.ohio.gov/~/media/ODH/ASSETS/Files/cfhs/lead%20poisoning%20-%20children/2014/Annual_Report_2013.ashx. Ohio Lead Advisory Council.
9. Schwartz, J. Low-level lead exposure and children′ s IQ: a metaanalysis and search for a threshold http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935184710206. Environmental Research.
10. Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Memorandum http://www.scribd.com/doc/245985725/Wallace-Building-Lead-Tests. Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
11. Burger, J. Effects of lead on learning in herring gulls: an avian wildlife model for neurobehavioral deficits http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15941590. Neurotoxicology. 26 (4).
12. Kelly, A. & Kelly, S. Are Mute Swans with Elevated Blood Lead Levels More Likely to Collide with Overhead Power Lines? http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1675/1524-4695%282005%29028%5B0331%3AAMSWEB%5D2.0.CO%3B2?journalCode=cowa& Waterbirds. 28 (3).
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Many BPA-free bottles contain a chemical that causes arrhythmia
A chemical found in many products labeled "BPA free" may produce many of the same health problems as the original chemical, including hyperactivity and cardiac arrhythmia, according to a pair of studies presented recently at the joint meeting of the International Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society in Chicago.
"BPS, termed the safe alternative to BPA, may be equally as harmful to developing brains," said Deborah Kurrasch of the University of Calgary, lead researcher of one of the studies. "Society must place increased pressure on decision makers to remove all bisphenol compounds from manufacturing processes."
The "Safer" alternative is not so safe
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a widely used chemical that is a known hormone disrupter and has been linked to health conditions as diverse as cancer, obesity, hyperactivity and reproductive problems.
Growing concern over the health effects of BPA has led many manufacturers to introduce "BPA free" products. Yet many -- although not all -- of these products rely on a closely related chemical, bisphenol S (BPS).
"BPS is one of the substitutes used in BPA-free products," said Hong-Sheng Wang of the University of Cincinnati, lead researcher of the second study. "There is implied safety in BPA-free products. The thing is, the BPA analogs -- and BPS is one of them -- have not been tested for safety in humans."
BPS disrupts multiple hormone pathways
In the first study, Kurrasch and her colleagues found that zebrafish that were exposed to BPS became hyperactive in a similar manner to those exposed to BPAhttp://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=32616.
The study was designed to simulate prenatal chemical exposure, such as would occur in pregnant women exposed to BPA or BPS. Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to the same BPA concentrations found in Alberta's Oldman River, a major drinking water source. They then counted how many neurons developed in the brain.
The researchers found that fish exposed to BPA had 170% more neurons at the time of peak neuronal birth than fish not exposed to any chemicals. Fish exposed to equivalent concentrations of BPS had 240% more. In addition, both BPA- and BPS-exposed fish demonstrated hyperactive behavior (as determined by movement tracking software) in a way that fish in non-exposed control groups did not.
The second study, which Wang called, "one of the first assessments of BPS' effect in mammalian primary cells or organs," found that BPS produced arrhythmiahttp://dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/hh/heartarrhythmias.php -- abnormalities in heart rhythm -- in a similar manner to BPA.
Researchers exposed approximately 50 rats to a 1-nanomolar dose of BPS, roughly equivalent to the concentrations that prior studies have found in human urine. The rats' hearts were stimulated with the hormone catecholamine to mimic a natural stress response, and then BPS was sent flowing through the arteries and into the pumping heart. A control group of 30 rats was treated with catecholamine, but not with BPS.
The researchers found that the hearts of the female rats (but not the male rats) exposed to BPS exhibited a rapid heartbeat (ventricular tachycardia) and extra heartbeats. This problem seemed to occur because BPS caused abnormal calcium cycling in a manner similar to that caused by BPA.
When the researchers blocked the estrogen receptors in the female rats, the BPS-induced arrhythmia eased, confirming an estrogen-mimicking role for BPS, much like BPA.
Notably, the Calgary researchers found that BPA, and perhaps also BPS, might disrupt hormones through pathways other than by mimicking estrogen. In the zebrafish study, BPA actually appeared to mimic testosterone, a predominantly male sex hormone http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=33259.
Wang's summary of the Cincinnati research could easily apply to both studies: "Our findings call into question the safety of BPA-free products containing BPS," he said. "BPS and other BPA analogs need to be evaluated before further use by humans."
Sources for this article include:
http://www.newswise.com/
http://www.newswise.com/articles/common-bpa-like-chemical-bps-disrupts-heart-rhythms-in-females
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Artificial Sweetener Disease; a new breed of sickness
Artificial Sweetener Disease (ASD) is sweeping across America, affecting tens of thousands of consumers, and Western medicine calls it anything but what it really is, so that doctors can prescribe expensive pharmaceuticals and set up "check up" appointments for the following weeks.
Call it recurring headaches, unbearable migraines http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/mm/migraine.php, depression, anxiety, muscle pain, arthritis flare ups, buzzing or ringing in the ears, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, inflammation, even acid refluxhttp://dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/aa/acidreflux.php, but don't call it ASD, or the patient may stop consuming synthetic sweeteners, and then not schedule more doctor visits.
The symptoms of ASD can change overnight, depending on how much chemical sweetener you consume, and which ones. Some combinations are especially toxic. Consumers can go from a migraine headache to vomiting or from vision problems to an upset stomach. Many people experience central nervous system disorders, cramping, nervous twitches and abnormal reflexes. (http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/)
It all started when Ronald Reagan took office in 1980. He immediately fired the head of the FDA, under advisement from Donald Rumsfeld (CEO of Searle Pharmaceutical at the time), and hired Dr. Arthur Hull Hayes, Jr., who auspiciously approved aspartame. It was the decade of the diet craze, and Rumsfeld and his constituents made a fortune off theartificial sweetener which had been banned for decades due to laboratory testing results proving it was carcinogenic. The same FDA tainted approval process gave way to sucralose in 1991, and then sorbitol in 2003. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robbie-gennet/donald-rumsfeld-and-the-s_b_805581.html)
Gulf War Syndrome mainly ASD
It is not a coincidence that a wave of fibromyalgia cases hit the American troops during the Gulf War. Studies revealed that drinking diet sodas in the 120 degree heat lead to serious health repercussions. It was cleverly chalked up under the umbrella term "Gulf War Syndrome," but the same problems are occurring for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan now. (http://www.militaryspot.com/resources/gulf_war_syndrome/)
It is also no coincidence that 4 out of 5 fibromyalgia cases affect women, who are more likely to eat diet foods and consume diet drinks than men. Nearly all chewing gum and breath mints are loaded with artificial sweeteners. (http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/383-why-a-stick-of-gum-is-more-harmful-to-your-health-than-anything-that-you-eat.html)
The popular saying that "there's not enough artificial sweetener in any specific product to cause health concerns" is a lie, especially now that in 2011 there are synthetic sweeteners in over 25% of all food, drink, gum and candy available. This cumulative effect has created ASD, and thanks to little or no regulation of chemical agents in food, it's not going away any time soon.
There is no prescription drug, and there never will be one, that cures the problems that artificial sweeteners create. In fact, over 70 percent of reported cases of fibromyalgia, chronic depression, IBS and acid reflux are caused by consuming chemical agents which have been approved by the FDA for consumption. (http://www.foodintol.com/food_intolerance/irritable_bowel_syndrome)
Cancer may be the distant, long term result of consuming chemicals, but ASD is the short term consequence, and it is very serious. If you look to prescription drugshttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=33066 to cure these "chronic ailments," then you will experience even more side effects from the prescription medicines, and maybe worse ones than you already have.
The good news is the cure for Artificial Sweetener Disease is absolutely free and involves no doctor, no health insurance co-pays, and has zero side effects. Here is the secret cure for ASD: throw away your sugar free gum and candy, and then trash all foods and drinks you have that are labeled "light" and "zero." Read the labels on everything, so you can filter out all artificial sweeteners from your products, including aspartame, sucralose, sorbitol, acesulfame-k, aspartic acid, and saccharine.
As an alternative to poisoning yourself, try Xylitol or Stevia in order to cut calories, or simply eat more organic vegetables! If problems persist, take a list of everything you ate this week to your Naturopath or Nutritionist to analyze. Remember, if you're getting sick from moldy bread, don't look for a prescription drug to cure you, just stop eating moldy bread.
Sources for this article include
http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robbie-gennet/donald-rumsfeld-and-the-s_b_805581.html
http://www.militaryspot.com/resources/gulf_war_syndrome/
http://www.aspartamekills.com/mpvalley/
http://www.medicinenet.com/artificial_sweeteners/page8.htm
http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/aspartame.html
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=32755
http://www.foodintol.com/food_intolerance/irritable_bowel_syndrome
http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/383-why-a-stick-of-gum-is-more-harmful-to-your-health-than-anything-that-you-eat.html
http://www.thepanelist.net/general-finance-10103/1231-orbit-gum-whiter-teeth-plus-gout-and-heart-disease
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=117&t=28018
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=32662
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