Tag: Heavy metal exposure

According to a 2021 study on cloves grown in Zanzibar, samples contained levels of cadmium and chromium that exceeded international safety standards set by the FAO and WHO. This raises serious concerns, leading many to question: are cloves high in heavy metals?

According to a study published on PubMed Central, the compulsion to eat non-food items like chalk—medically known as pica—is associated with a significantly higher prevalence of anemia. So, what does chalk do to your body if you eat it, and why does this craving occur?

Studies show that heavy metals are naturally present in soil and water, a reality amplified by human activity. While complete eradication is impossible, practical and consistent steps can significantly reduce your exposure. So, is it possible to avoid heavy metals entirely? This guide offers realistic strategies for mitigation.

Environmental pollution has made heavy metal contamination a significant global issue, with certain industrial activities responsible for up to 60% of metal pollution in some ecosystems. Learning how to reduce intake of heavy metals is a critical step for protecting your long-term health, as these persistent toxins can accumulate in your body over time.

While trivalent chromium (Cr III) is an essential trace mineral for human health, its hexavalent form (Cr VI) is highly toxic and a known carcinogen, and excessive intake of either type can lead to adverse health effects. Understanding the symptoms of too much chromium is crucial for early detection and preventing serious health complications.

According to a 2025 report from Healthy Babies Bright Futures, rice often contains significantly higher levels of heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium than other grains. If you're wondering which grains have no heavy metals, the answer is that while no grain is completely free of trace elements, some varieties are much safer and less prone to accumulating toxins.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cadmium is a non-essential and toxic element for humans, mainly affecting the kidneys and skeletal system. It has no known beneficial function in the human body and, in fact, poses significant health risks upon accumulation through diet and environmental exposure.

While manganese is an essential trace mineral, chronic overexposure can lead to permanent neurological damage. Understanding what too much manganese does for the body is crucial, especially for those in high-risk occupations like welding or living near industrial sites.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), only very small amounts of inorganic manganese can enter your skin, meaning daily contact like showering or hand-washing poses a negligible risk. However, the level of dermal absorption can vary significantly depending on the chemical form of manganese involved, with some organic compounds presenting a more notable pathway for entry into the body.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), drinking water should ideally have a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. Regularly consuming water with a pH significantly lower than this, which is known as acidic water, can lead to a cascade of negative health effects and even damage household plumbing.