32 Surprising Sources of Toxic Heavy Metals

Heavy metal is a serious threat to the health of your body and brain. I’m not referring to Ozzy Osbourne or Metallica here, although too much headbanging has probably damaged more than a few brain cells. I’m referring to the metals found in food, water, air, and many commercially-available products. Here are some surprising sources:

Aluminum—Although not technically a heavy metal, aluminum is a metal that can pose a serious threat to health, particularly with excessive exposure. It has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Aluminum is found in:

-Baby formula;

-Baked goods and processed foods;

-Deodorants;

-Over-the-counter and prescription antacids;

-Other pharmaceutical drugs as a binding agent;

-Aluminum pots and pans;

-Shampoo; and

-Skin cream.

Keep reading to learn about toxic sources of cadmium, lead, and mercury…

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Melania P.

12:34PM PST on Jan 9, 2013

thank you!

January 9
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Deborah D.

10:56AM PDT on Mar 29, 2012

Sounds like just being alive and going about
everyday living exposes us to toxic metals!

March 29
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Antoinette S.

11:14AM PDT on Mar 28, 2012

So...even things we bake ourselves have Al...? Is it because of the baking trays used?

March 28
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Kiana S.

5:07PM PDT on Mar 26, 2012

Thanks for the information. I have a friend who has been struggling with mercury poisoning from fillings, and my mother is ill from having a metal on metal cobalt hip replacement a few years ago. They've been banned in the US for years, but have only just been taken off the market in the UK. Heavy metal poisoning is certainly no picnic and I'm going to do my best to avoid it!

March 26
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Diana R.

6:28AM PDT on Mar 26, 2012

Thank you for the information.

Willom S.

5:23AM PDT on Mar 25, 2012

I think Schoffro Cook needs to make fewer generalizations in her surveys. When she mentions food items, such as flour, does she mean all flour, or non-organically grown flour? Many cans are lined to prevent lead contamination, which ones are and which ones aren't? Which deodorants contain aluminum and which don't? She is indulging in basic fear-mongering--not all products are evil.

March 25
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Beba H.

2:43AM PDT on Mar 24, 2012

I still have my mercury fillings. Not sure what to do about it because all my back teeth have fillings. Cant believe they would do this to a child and it will be sure to haunt me for my whole life. Who knows what damage it has done to brain and my health. Totally criminal what they do to the innocent public.