Toxic Exposure

Is it threatening your health?

What are toxic elements?

Toxic elements are present throughout the environment in varying concentrations in air, soil, water, plants, and animals. They are released into the environment in even greater quantities by mining, industrial fabrication, and the burning of fossil fuels. Inevitably, they end up posing a health threat to humans because of their presence in the food chain and increasing exposures.

The consequences of exposure to toxic elements can vary widely depending on the type of element, the amount, and the length of time, as well as the health and nutritional status of the individual. With some exposures, even at low levels over a period of time, the effects on health may not be apparent for years. Many of the elements can be deadly in large amounts, and several have demonstrated an ability to cause or stimulate cancer.

How can I be exposed?

Toxic element accumulation is almost unavoidable in an environment plagued by pollutants.

Exposure most commonly occurs through everyday living but may result from an industrial work environment. Examples include exposure to cigarette smoke (cadmium), hydrogenated oils (nickel), products treated to be fire retardant (antimony), antiperspirants and antacids (aluminum), some toothpastes and cans (tin), tap water (lead), and tooth fillings and fish (mercury).

People can be exposed to barium, gallium, and lithium as medical treatment agents. Germanium was once common in dietary supplements overseas. Platinum accumulates in soils near busy highways, while copper and tungsten are more commonly encountered in mining areas and heavy industry. Uranium is used in the nuclear industry and natural uranium is found in groundwater in certain areas of the U.S..

Toxic elements have turned up in some very unexpected places as well, including jewelry, make-up, and dietary supplements.

How do toxic elements affect my health?

Toxic elements, many of which are metals, may be present in the body in small amounts. However, they accumulate with excessive or continual exposure or if your body’s detoxifying defenses aren’t up to par. Toxic elements may inhibit enzymes in your body, weaken cell membranes, or impair nutrient delivery, which can lead to illness.

Excess lead may cause fatigue, constipation, insomnia, emotional disturbances, hyperactivity and learning disabilities in children.

Excess aluminum is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and may also lead to the depletion of phosphorus in the body, which is critical for bone health.

Excess arsenic often results in fatigue, skin problems, and tingling in the extremities.

Excess cadmium is associated with fatigue, tissue aging, musculoskeletal pain, anemia, and hypertension.

Excess germanium is suspected of causing renal failure, while mercury is linked to neurological damage.

Excess uranium has been blamed for genetic deformities and cancers and it can cause persistent fatigue.

How are elements measured?

Hair analysis is regarded as the best evaluation of long-term element status. Depending on results, a blood or urine test may be used as a follow-up to a hair test.

Hair analysis is an inexpensive and noninvasive means of measuring toxic elements, often revealing abnormalities not detected through other routine tests. Teeth, nails, and hair concentrate toxic elements and thus are useful indicator of element status. As most of us are reluctant to part with our teeth or nails, hair is generally used. Also, hair can reflect the gradual increases in toxic burden which precede the appearance of major symptoms. Because hair toxic element levels usually correlate with overall body burden, hair analysis is a valuable tool to be used in conjunction with a physical exam, health history, and other lab tests.

What will the test tell Dr. Holec?

The Toxic Element Exposure Profile (Elemental Analysis, Hair) measures levels of 22 of the most commonly encountered toxic elements:

• Aluminum
• Gallium
• Tellurium
• Anitmony
• Germanium
• Thallium
• Arsenic
• Lead
• Thorium
• Barium
• Mercury
• Tin
• Bismuth
• Nickel
• Tungsten
• Cadmium
• Palladium
• Uranium
• Copper
• Platinum
• Gandolinium
• Rhodium

Your test results will be compared to normal reference range values. Dr. Holec can then decide on what treatment(s), if any, may be indicated. Tests results may also point to a possible need for further assessment. Commentary about the source and effects of the individual elements will help you and Dr. Holec decide whether to change your nutrition, environment, and/or lifestyle.

How much hair is required?

Only about one heaping tablespoon of hair is needed. Hair is generally cut at the nape of the neck, and the hair closest to the scalp is used. Because small amounts are taken from several places, it is nearly impossible to notice hair was taken.

How are element imbalances treated?

Element imbalances usually are corrected with diet change and/or nutritional supplements. For example, Dr. Holec may suggest certain vitamins, minerals, or amino acids that bind with toxic elements and are consequently excreted through the urine. A urine element test is sometimes used to determine effective treatment and monitor the results of a detoxification program.

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