Title

Metal Toxicity: Sources, Symptoms, Testing and Treatment

Abstract

The air we breathe can contain many toxic metals due to coal combustion, tire wear, and other sources.  Cigarette smoking and second hand smoke can cause inhalation of cadmium, antimony, barium, thallium, and others.  Even if one discontinues cigarette smoking after 15 years, elevated cadmium levels can persist due to its long half-life.  Drinking water can contain toxic metals such as arsenic and bottled water has been found to have antimony.  Mining can also release toxic metals into the air and the water table.  Food and dental amalgams can contain mercury.  Fillers in medications and supplements, as well as antacids and cosmetics can contain bismuth.  Aluminum can be absorbed from anti-perspirants.

Toxic metals can cause decreased mentation, memory loss, joint pain, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and many other problems.  Of particular concern is cadmium from cigarettes which can cause both cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Experience

• Assessed and treated patients with metal toxicities for 20 years
• Study of random urine specimens for toxic metals

Learning Objectives

• Recognition of sources of toxic metals
• Recognition of effects of toxic metals
• Testing for toxic metals
• Removing toxic metals

Outline

• Free Radical Pathology
• Anti-oxidants
• Effects of Free Radicals
• Anti-Radical Measures
• Toxic Metal Testing, Acute vs Chronic
• Chelating Agents
• Toxicity from Excessive Essential Metals
• Toxic Metals…Sources and Symptoms
• Toxic Metal Study…Smokers vs Non-smokers
• Case Presentations
• Summary

Previous Presentations

• Naturopathic Association of Nova Scotia

Biography

• BSc (HonBio), St FXU, 1973
• Doctor of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 1978
• American College for Advancement in Medicine, Toxic Metal Workshop 2005, 2010

Expenses

• Travel
• Accommodation
• Stipend

Dr. Boucher provides and online service for toxic metal testing and analysis. Please visit www.toxicmetaltesting.ca for more information.