Environmental Toxicity
An Alternative Way of Assessing Heavy Metals?
Numerous scientists worldwide are supporting the view today that all
life processes are being determined by subtle electromagnetic and photon
phenomena [see Prof Dr. A. Popp, Dr. Voll (EAP), Dr. Schimmel (Vega
System) and many more). All electrically active metals (ions) and particularly,
heavy metals, can disturb the harmony of the electromagnetic and photon
energies in the body, causing disharmony and disease. They also can
increase the production of free radicals million fold.It has been stated
that 90 % of all chronic and serious illnesses could be prevented if
we were able to eliminate the 600 most dangerous environmental toxins
(Dr. J. Higgensen, Head of Cancer Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland).
Every health practitioner is fully aware of the devastating influence
heavy metals and/or ionic metals can have on our mental, emotional and
physical health and wellbeing.Until recently, most health care professionals
and researchers assumed that heavy metals had to be taken into account
only when a patient showed definite symptoms of 'poisoning.'
We realize now that our health and wellbeing is affected by much lower
levels of heavy metals than previously assumed. Health authorities constantly
correct 'permissible' maximum levels downwards.It is becoming more difficult
to accurately determine the appropriate drug profile in a given case,
because the respective simile of symptoms has undergone a shift due
to the presence of heavy metal ions. In fact, this phenomenon may be
observed for the majority of the classic Hahnemann remedy profiles and
it is fair to say that at the present time the effectiveness of any
antioxidant therapy is significantly compromised by the presence of
heavy metal ions. It is therefore important to first identify the heavy
metal inquestion and the degree of its involvement. Then, as the cause
of the condition, the heavy metal ions must be removed and cleared out.In
cases of acute heavy metal poisoning (commonly the result of accidents
or extreme workplace related contamination), clinical toxicology is
generally able to provide an effective quick response with the DMPS
procedure administered as mobilization test and antidote.
However, hardly any appropriate treatment or diagnostic procedure is
available for cases of longterm heavy metal contamination. No satisfactory
method exists for the early recognition of heavy metal contamination.Two
Types of MetalsThe methods used to detect heavy metal contamination
are cumbersome and costly and in some instances can't differentiate
between organically bound and free metal atoms (e.g. Cu, Zn in spectrometric
analyses).
Recent research has shown that it is essentially electrically active
heavy metal atoms not bound with organic complexes that actively destroys
molecular compounds and thereby cause the formation of free radicals.
Up to a certain point, a healthy body is able to bind (i.e. chelate)
free heavy metal atoms, i.e. neutralize their electromagnetic charge
and clear them out. If this mechanism is no longer able to function
because too many toxins have accumulated in the organism, the number
of free radicals will increase, especially if the body is suffering
an antioxidant deficiency at the same time. In such cases, administering
antioxidant supplements will not solve the real problem, namely the
accumulation of heavy metal ion deposits in the body.
Unfortunately, traditional methods like hair or blood analyses are not
able to uncover these connections for the simple reason that the organic
sample is destroyed in the course of the analysis. Such procedures are
therefore unable to differentiate between metal atoms bound with organic
complexes and unbound and therefore electromagnetically active ions,
a difference that is crucial in the assessment of the overall situation.A
New Way to Assess Heavy Metals In 1925 Helmut Fischer of the Siemens
Concern in Berlin succeeded in detecting heavy metal ions by means of
a dithizone process. As a reagent, dithizone is able to indicate the
presence of heavy metal ions in qualitative and in quantitative terms.
In binding with them, colored complexes are formed in the interior of
the molecule which are soluble in nonpolar organic solvents. The coloration
of these solutions is very intensive, its particular coloration determined
by the atomic radius of the respective metal present in the complex.
The reaction times of the heavy metal ions vary; therefore, depending
on their respective concentrations, different colorations may occur
from which one can, in addition to the qualitative conclusions (the
dithizone reagent binds to Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb, Mn, Co, Ni,) also semiquantitative
ones regarding the contaminant. (At the lower ppm level, even at the
ppb level).
The dithizone heavy metal reagent allows the detection of free heavy
metal ions in bodily liquids like urine and saliva. By administering
the test reagent as an exploratory measure, contaminations from amalgam
fillings or from the environment (cadmium, lead, zinc, copper, manganese,
nickel and cobalt pointing to infections, organ or system disorders)
can be identified on the spot, the potential health problem, as well
as the need for detoxification before any specific therapy is administered.
The test reagent is therefore an important aid in the decision making
process during the initial evaluation and detoxification therapies,
recommended as urgent and necessary counter measures, can be monitored
with the test reagent administered.
The dithizone reagent can also be used to determine the environmental
sources of the contamination in aqueou solutions such as tap water and
sinc all heavy metal ions are water soluble, solids like food items,
porcelain dishes, dust samples from carpets, wall paints and wall paper
etc. can be tested for heavy metals by soaking them in distilled water
beforehand. In other words, in addition to being a diagnostic tool for
urine and saliva, the reagent is also useful for finding contamination
causes in the patient's environment.Replacement Reaction or How to Assess
Mercury ToxicityThe sheep study done at the University of Calgary in
Canada (sheep had amalgam fillings placed in their mouths) clearly shows
that very little mercury is found in the urine and in the blood, but
highest amounts are shown in the kidneys.
Since this is the case, how to assess mercury toxicity via the urine?
lb understand this, a short review of basic bio chemistry and how heavy
metals react in the body is necessary.In the human system, the bivalent
metals are engaged in a continuous fight against one another, e.g. copper
against zinc, magnesium against calcium, which results in the replacement
of the "lighter" element by the "heavier" one,in
terms of their atomic masses.
Replacement reactions, also called "fight for the site," occur
when heavy metals grab the biological spaces that should be filled by
necessary minerals.Just as carbon monoxide replaces essential oxygen,
other elements and compounds cause their toxic effect by replacing chemicals
essential to the body functions. Within a group, for example group 2
in the periodic table of, elements (2 refers to the number of extra
electrons) there is zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), in order
of increasing atomic weight. (65, 112, and 200 respectively). Zinc in
its ionic form, Zn2+, is necessary for proper body function, although
an excess is toxic.
Cadmium, found in paints, cigarettes, tires, and brakes, is toxic. Mercury,
found in amalgam fillings, paints and some industrial processes, has
no known use in the body and is even more poisonous.
Since cadmium and mercury, in their more soluble ionized or salt forms,
will attempt to participate in the same biochemical reactions as zinc,
their resence will prevent the zinc reacting nd performing its functions
in the body.
This is like a 65 pound person (zinc) competing unsuccessfully with
12 pound (cadmium) and 200 pound (mercury) people in a game of musical
chairs. As a result, mercury leaching into the body from silver mercury
amalgam fillings will cause symptoms of zinc deficiency such as fatigue,
PMS, thyroid problem, loss of smell and taste, macular degeneration,
prostate enlargement, rheumatoid arthritis, sterility, immune suppression,
etc., even if there is plenty of zinc available.
Other symptoms caused by mineral deficiency and displacement by a heavy
metal. (Hg, Cd, Pb, ) include:* Magnesium Irregular heartbeat, osteoporosis,
receding gums, etc. Iron Anaemia, Copper Anaemia, Thyroid dysfunction,
impaired digestion, scoliosis a Zinc Anorexia nervosa, loss of taste,
low libido, PMS, etcIodine Thyroid dysfunction.
A Toxic Accumulation of Essential MineralsBy taking the biological spaces
of the essential ininerals, heavy metals, in particular mercury, create
simultaneously a toxic accumulation of essential minerals. The body
receives everyday essential minerals through the food, unable to be
absorbed, leading to an accumulation and overburden of these minerals.
High toxic accumulation of copper for example, can be the cause of Parkinson's
disease, anaemia, allergies, hair loss, appetite disturbance, hyperactivity,
low thyroid activity, headaches, skin conditions, constipation, learning
disabilities, and/ or depression. When checking the urine for mercury,
by using the dithizone reagent, toxic amounts of copper and zinc (direct
antagonist to mercury) will always show up first. These are the markers
to monitor if mercury is present in the body.
After starting detoxification therapy, the copper and zinc level will
even increase more (discharge of the depots), before they decrease.
This indicates that there are now less mercury metals in the tissues
and more copper and zinc ions being assimilated. So instead of measuring
the mercury concentration which is very difficult to assess since mercury
is neither in the blood nor in the urine, the indirect disturbance caused
by the mercury atoms is measured.
Case Study
Here are the results of one case that shows the importance of heavy
metal assessment: 14 year old male, with very advanced 3rd degree scoliosis (adequate
amounts of copper are required for the normal production of elastin and collagen,
which are the primary components of ligaments and the spinal discs), shy and timid.,
The parents (father is a lawyer) are healthy and live in a good, environment. The
urine revealed very high amounts of free copper and zinc ions (unbound). Child was
breastfed (mother had twelve amalgam fillings) and has two amalgam fillings.
Studies show that mercury is eight times more concentrated in the fetus than in the
rest of the body. Once the mercury is in the body tissues, it is replacing the less
heavier minerals and block the entrance ofessential minerals (Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn,
etc). Therefore high concentration of essential metals (Cu and Zn), are a definite
marker of chronic heavy metal poisoning and malabsorption phenomena. The boy went
through a detox program and after some months, Cu and Zn values went to normal, indicating
that the heavy metals (Hg) are not blocking the entrance anymore and the Cu and Zn
ions can now be absorbed. The boy's behavior changed, being less shy and timid and
more energetic. The scoliosis became stabilized and a remarkable improvement occurred
during the physical therapy sessions.
Conclusion
Since heavy metals contribute up to 80% of the causes to all diseases,
the assessment for heavy metal contamination has become an essential component of
any initial diagnosis. The dithizone reagent offers an alternative way to assess
heavy metal toxicity. Clinical studies and practical applications will progressively
improve our knowledge in this area.?Thomas Nissen Nissen Medica 18 Wilson Street
Lennoxville, Quebec J1M 1M9 Canada 819 566 7995 Fax 819 566 2972 www.nissenmedica.comDithizone
References1. Isolation and Determination of Traces of Metals. The Dithizone System.
H.J. Wichmann, Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington,
D.C; Industrial and Engineering Chemistry.2. Journal ofIndustrial Hygiene and Ybxicology
Vol.29, No.3, May, 1947; A comparative Study of The Lead Content Of Street Dirt in
New York City in 1924 and 1934.3. Kaye, Sidney: A study of the analytical methods
for the determination of lead from biologic materials, with special emphasis on the
dithizone method. M.Sc. thesis, New York University 1939.
Web Sites of Interest
A Guide to Biomonitoring of Industrial Chemicals
www.childenvironment.org/pdfs/bmguide.pdf
Environmental Working Group: Body Burden
www.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden
www.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden/pdf/BBreportfinal.pdf
Second National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemical
www.cdc.gov/exposurereport
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