(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER)  Toxic elements, their sources, hazards and antagonized nutrients

Element and toxic concentration in blood serum

Common Sources of contamination

Potential health problems

Antagonized nutrients

Aluminium (Al³⁺) >13 µg/L

Processed cheese, bleached flour, antacids containing aluminium, municipal drinking water, baking powders, tooth paste, medications, edible clay

Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, peptic ulcer, anaemia, colitis, kidney dysfunction, liver dysfunction, headaches, dry skin, tendency for colds, heartburn, protein deficit, underactive parathyroid and elevated blood ammonia

Calcium, iron, and phosphate

Mercury (Hg²⁺) >20 µg/L

Tuna, grains, medications, skin lightening creams, talc, laxatives, cosmetics, dental amalgams

Anorexia, anaemia, hair loss, birth defects, brain damage, retinitis, fatigue, hearing loss, hyperactivity, insomnia, kidney damage, schizophrenia, tremors, impaired peripheral vision, numbness and excessive salivation.

Iron, selenium, copper, zinc, and sulphur

Lead (Pb²⁺) >50 µg/L

Hair dye, cigarette smoke, metal polishes, pesticides, ceramic glazes, agriculture soils, cosmetics, toothpaste, coloured printed materials, lead shot smelters

Arthritis, anaemia, anorexia, ADD/ADHD, convulsions, hearing impairment, dyslexia, encephalitis, fatigue, insomnia, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s diseases, vertigo, arteriosclerosis, liver dysfunction, infertility, tooth decay, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, learning disabilities, decreased IQ and schizophrenia

Calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, chromium, selenium, manganese, sulphur, and iron

Cadmium (Cd²⁺) >50 µg/L

Food from contaminated soil, large ocean fishes, dental materials, processed meats, colouring agent in some paints, silver polish, nickel-cadmium batteries, soft water, oysters, burning of petrochemicals, tobacco,
refined wheat flour

Hair loss, anaemia, ADD/ADHD, atherosclerosis, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, cancer, cirrhosis, diabetes, enlarged heart, hypertension, hyper cholesterol, emphysema, hypoglycaemia, inflammation, lung disease, migraine, osteoporosis, schizophrenia and vascular disease

Calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, selenium, and sulphur

Arsenic (As³⁺, As⁵⁺) >12 μg/L

Contaminated ground water is a source of inorganic arsenic (As2O3), dietary sources contain organic arsenic which includes fish, shellfish, meat, poultry, dairy products and cereals.

Inorganic arsenic is a potent carcinogen. Acute arsenic poisoning includes vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Long-term exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic leads to pigmentation changes, skin lesions and hyperkeratosis. Organic arsenic is less harmful to human health.

Phosphate