Arsenic
Arsenic is a highly poisonous metallic element registered with the Chemical Poisoning and Environmental Toxicity Centers. Inorganic arsenic deposits in the hair, skin, and nails, in the thyroid gland, in the bones, and the gastrointestinal tract. Once within the hair follicles, as with most toxic metals, it will stay in the shaft for years, so the hair analysis is a good indicator for arsenic poisoning. Below are some of the mostcommon sources if both organic and inorganic arsenic:
* Animal feed
* Automobile exhaust
* Colored chalk
* Herbicides
* Household detergents
* Electronic components
* Industrial dust
* Insecticides
* Paris green
* Rat poisons
* Seafood
* Smog
* Wallpaper dye/plaster
* Water/city and well
* Wine
* Wood preservatives
Arsenic is a carcinogen, and those with high levels of arsenic within their tissues are at a high risk for skin, scrotal, liver, lymphatic, and lung cancer. Other symptoms of arsenic poisoning are:
* Headaches
* Confusion
* Drowsiness
* Convulsions
* Changes in fingernail pigmentation
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Bloody urine
* Muscle cramps
* Convulsions
* Gastrointestinal upsets
* Coma
* Death
Long-term exposure can adversely affect the peripheral nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and hematopoietic system (the bodily system of organs and tissues, primarily the bone marrow, spleen, tonsils, and lymph nodes).
“Arsenic is a very poisonous metal found inside human bodies. High levels of arsenic can create health symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and lethargy. Because arsenic is a lighter metal, it is easier to remove from human tissues than the heavier metals, such as lead or mercury.”
– Dr. Janet Starr Hull, PhD., CN
About Dr. Janet Starr Hull