From a recent children's jewelry recall to a new plant shown to have promise in mercury detoxification, heavy metal toxicity remains an area of concern. Here's a recap of the most significant news and science studies for heavy metal toxicity and detoxification.
Lead Found in Reputable Brand-Named Produce and Juices
On June 10, 2010, the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF), in Oakland, CA, issued a press release announcing that Notices of Violation of California Proposition 65 Toxics Right to Know law had been filed after the toxic chemical lead was found in a variety of children's and baby foods. Foods included in the filing were apple juice, grape juice, packaged pears and peaches and fruit cocktail.
According to ELF, the products contained enough lead in a single serving to warrant a warning notification of lead content on the produce, "The manufacturer and retailer," said ELF, "Must give a “clear and reasonable warning” about the exposure." Several brand-named companies that ELF claimed exceeded the Prop 65 limit of 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving were Gerber, Mott's, Earth's Best Organics, Minute Maid and Tree Top. A complete list of products tested for lead is available on the ELF website.
Children's Charm Bracelets and Rings by SmileMakers are Recalled for High Levels of Cadmium
Since January 2010, several recalls have been issued for products that have the potential to cause heavy metal toxicity. WalMart and Claire's headed a jewelery recall after children's jewelry made in China was shown to have toxic amounts of cadmium, a known carcinogen. In June, 2010, McDonald's recalled drinking glasses promoting the movie Shrek after the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), alerted the public to the presence of cadmium within paint used on the glasses.
In the latest incident that occurred on June 30, 2010, company SmileMakers Inc., of of Spartanburg, S.C., recalled two children's jewelry items: Happy Charm Bracelets and Football Rings. Ironically the bracelets and rings were distributed as gifts, for free, at doctor and dentist offices nationwide between June 2005 and March 2010 . Cadmium is a natural element found in the earth's crust; the CDC says that in children, exposure to cadmium can cause kidney, lung, and bone damage depending on the route of exposure.
New Technique for Removing Arsenic from Water is Developed
Environmental Expert.com in a press statement released on July 23, 2010 reported that a new technique had been developed for arsenic-free water. The purification technique is said to be quick and inexpensive, an added bonus for developing countries. Scientists combining nanocrystals with graphene-based materials discovered a increase in arsenic adsorption. Kim Kwang, the scientist from Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea, told Environmental Expert.com that the procedure is an "Inexpensive method, which anyone can use."
This new technique could prove to be a lifesaver for developing countries; on Aug. 30, 2007, BBC News reporter Richard Black wrote in, "World Facing 'Arsenic Timebomb' " about developing countries with arsenic-laced drinking water supplies. Black reports that arsenic poisoning affects about 140 million people worldwide.
Heavy Metal Detoxification – Single Cell Plant Expels Mercury from the Body
Dr. Mercola of Food Consumer.org reported, that a study conducted and published in the Journal of Toxicology indicated that the nutritional supplement chlorella, could have detoxification benefits. In, "This Single Cell Plant Actually Expels Mercury from Your Body…," published on July 03, 2010, Mercola reports that the single-celled organism was shown to influence absorption and excretion of methylmercury in mice. WebMD.com says that chlorella is a type of algae that grows in fresh water. The plant is used for cancer prevention and boosting the immune system.
Recalls in 2010 have jettisoned the issue of heavy metal poisoning and therapy to the forefront of media and public attention. As a result, home test kits and therapies are flooding the market, many of them questionable. Discerning consumers should thoroughly research all heavy metal detoxification therapies prior to purchasing. Misleading health benefit claims can hit the pocket book and may, in some instances, have the potential to cause harm.
Elizabeth Batt - Elizabeth Batt is a former large animal nurse, certified NREMT, lover of equines and conservationist.
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