What household items cause metal exposure?
Written by
Leilani Ibeh
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.Numerous usual household products expose you to heavy metals every day. Non-stick culinary utensils give off aluminum and cadmium when scraped. Cosmetic products often contain color pigments derived from lead and can be absorbed through the skin. The pipeline supplied with old plumbing supplies contains lead, which contaminates the drinking water. Handmade, imported dishes can contain a glaze that releases lead during use. When you are conscious of these sources, you can decrease your toxic exposure.
Direct Contact Items
- Antiperspirants with aluminum compounds enter through sweat glands
- Lead-based paints in pre-1978 homes create dust particles
- Costume jewelry releases nickel through skin contact
- Batteries leak cadmium when corroded
Environmental Contaminators
- Industrial areas emit airborne cadmium from manufacturing
- Coal burning releases mercury into soil and waterways
- Vehicle exhaust deposits lead near highways
- Pesticides leave arsenic residues on non-organic produce
Kitchen exposures can be hazardous. Cookware made of aluminum releases metal when cooking acidic foods such as tomatoes. And plastic containers release cadmium when heated in the microwave. Replace with glass storage and ceramic ware. Install water filters, which are certified for lead removal. Such changes can dramatically reduce the amount of metal taken into the body daily.
Cosmetics and personal items must be chosen with care. Lipsticks contain, on average, 0.5 ppm lead content. Dyes for hair contain metallic salts. Switch to mineral-based products using the Think Dirty app for help. Take up deodorants from aluminum-free brands, such as Native. Change mercury dental fillings to composite.
Environmental controls limit contaminants. Use doormats to minimize the transfer of shoes and soil toxins. HEPA air filters that collect lead dust particles should be used. Paint in homes built before 1980 should be tested with lead swabs. By following these guidelines, rooms will be cleaner and the hazards of exposure to metals will be minimized.
Systematic replacement should be prioritized. Begin with cookware and water filters. Turn next to personal products and cosmetics. Finally, the analysis should include paint and ceramics. Changes will be recorded in a symptom diary. This phased approach to reducing exposure is the only way such reductions can be attainable and measurable over time.
Read the full article: Heavy Metal Detox: Ultimate Natural Guide
