Chronic and acute, its common etiology, symptoms, complications, management and prevention

INTRODUCTION

Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of heavy metals in toxic amounts, in the soft tissues of the body.

Symptoms and physical findings associated with heavy metal poisoning vary according to the type of metal accumulated. Many of the heavy metals, such as zinc, copper, chromium, iron and manganese, are essential to body function in very small amounts. If these metals accumulate in the body in concentrations, sufficient to cause poisoning, serious damage may occur.

The heavy metals most commonly associated with poisoning of humans are lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium which may occur as a result of industrial exposure, air or water pollution, foods, packaged spices, spice powders, herbs, medicines, herbal and mineral remedies and supplements usage of improper cook wares and utensils, improperly coated food containers, packaged foods and beverages, the accidental ingestion of lead-based paints.

Pollution, Industrialization, lack of facilities to process and recycle the electronic waste, lack of infra structure to clean and purify water sources, non-regulation or poor regulatory control on production of cosmetics, herbal or dietary supplements and medicines etc., are the main causes of heavy metal toxicity in India. We may be aware more about accidental, suicidal, homicidal or occupational heavy metal poisoning that it is acute poisoning. But we all should focus our views on hidden deadly monster behind us that is nothing but chronic heavy metal poisoning, cumulative poisoning and related morbidities and mortalities. Where we are able to control and prevent the incidences by social awareness and various health and community health programmes.

On several research studies shows alcohol and beer consumption is another major reason for chronic heavy metal poisoning not due to alcohol but it is produced filtered, processed with various chemicals and cereals which may be contaminated with heavy metals. As per analytical reports of various foreign brand alcoholic and non-alcoholic liquors and beers shows significantly high amount of all heavy metals. It is a very important social health problem all over the world not only due to direct effect of alcoholism hut due to chronic heavy metal poisoning too.

CAUSES/MECHANISM

Heavy metal poisoning is a result of the toxic accumulation of certain metals. Such metals compete with and replace certain essential minerals in the course of which any of several of the body’s organ systems may be affected.

It can be acute and chronic. In the former case the large quantity or toxic dose of heavy metals are reaching the body at single time or in divided doses within the limited period of time. It may be ranging from hours to couple of weeks. But in latter case, the small and traces of heavy metals are reaching the body slowly and slowly may ranges from several weeks to few years.

Due to metabolism and detoxification process, the heavy metals are either excreted (not completely) or bound with proteins and then accumulate at various parts of body. As it is not in free state, it may not produce any toxic effects during accumulation time. During favorable conditions like sudden alkalinization, dehydrations, hypo or hyper volumic conditions, electrolyte and PH imbalances in the body etc., the deposited bounded heavy metals become free in state and it will be readily bio available to produce a pharmacologic or potential toxic effects including renal and hepatic failure and even death.