Tag: Toxic elements

Recent FDA alerts and consumer reports have revealed that certain cinnamon products on store shelves contain dangerously high levels of lead. While lead contamination in food can be a result of environmental factors, the extreme levels found in recent incidents, particularly linked to a 2023 applesauce recall, point to intentional economic adulteration.

Recent investigations by Consumer Reports found that more than two-thirds of the protein products they tested contained detectable levels of lead, with some far exceeding daily safety thresholds. This raises valid concerns about the widespread presence of heavy metals in protein powders and shakes and underscores the need for consumer vigilance.

Approximately 2-3% of the human body is composed of essential elements like oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, but the vast majority of elements on the periodic table are inedible and can be extremely harmful if ingested. Understanding what elements you can not eat is crucial for safety, as accidental ingestion can lead to severe health issues or be fatal.

According to the World Health Organization, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury are among the ten chemicals of major public health concern. However, the answer to "does your body need any heavy metals?" is more complex: it requires certain heavy metals as essential trace minerals, while others are highly toxic and offer no benefit. This article clarifies the critical distinction between beneficial and harmful heavy metals and outlines their roles in human health.

According to the National Park Service, while drinking water from designated, treated fountains in places like Hot Springs National Park is encouraged, consuming untreated thermal spring water can pose significant health risks. This raises the important question: Can you drink thermal water safely? The answer depends heavily on the source and its treatment status.

Approximately 1,500 volcanoes worldwide are considered active, a fact that prompts many to wonder about the water sources near them. While the notion of drinking 'volcano water' sounds perilous, the reality is far more complex, with some bottled mineral waters originating from volcanically filtered sources, while other direct sources pose significant health risks. This guide separates the myths from the facts surrounding volcano water and its potability.

A 2019 study found heavy metal contamination in 95% of tested baby foods, a statistic that has heightened parental concerns. This article examines the crucial question: Is Once Upon a Farm free of heavy metals and other toxins through its robust safety standards?

While oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen make up the majority of our body's mass, not all elements found within us are essential for health. The human body contains trace amounts of various elements that have no known biological role and are therefore not required for survival.

The World Health Organization considers mercury one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern, confirming that the human body does not need mercury for any known physiological function. In fact, all forms of mercury, even in small amounts, are highly toxic and can cause serious and permanent health problems.

Cadmium oxide is a brownish, odorless inorganic compound primarily used in industrial applications, not found directly in food. The true food contamination concern is elemental cadmium, a heavy metal that enters the food chain from the environment, accumulating in certain crops and animal products. Understanding this distinction is crucial for assessing true dietary risks.