Heavy metal poisoning

Heavy metals - what do we know about them? As a rule, most people associate this term with the course of the school curriculum in chemistry. In fact, heavy metals surround us everywhere: they are present in the composition of household chemical solutions, in the composition of the soil, in water, in the atmosphere. It turns out that poisoning with heavy metals can be obtained almost anywhere - both in everyday life and at work. Such poisoning does not always become obvious - sometimes it acquires a chronic course, and harmful substances accumulate in human tissues for years and even decades. How to determine the poisoning, and what measures need to be taken to eliminate its effects?

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

Epidemiology

The poisoning by heavy metal compounds is, in fact, quite common. The first records of such poisonings were made as early as the IV century - then the first time was described by the poisoning of mercury. In the olden days, such inorganic toxins as mercury and arsenic were widely used - they were used everywhere, including in everyday life.

According to statistics, in just one year (from 1924 to 1925) almost a thousand people died in Russia, receiving poisoning with mercury.

Poisoning with such a heavy metal as copper, is typical for regions where wine making and gardening are actively practiced. The reason for this is the massive use of copper sulfate in the fight against harmful insects and plant diseases.

Also, heavy metal poisoning often occurred after the use of such an anti-neoplasm as a gray mercury ointment.

To date, the number of deaths from poisoning with heavy metals has significantly decreased. So, in the last century the mortality from such intoxications was about 65-85%, and nowadays it barely reaches 15%.

The lethal amount of heavy metals upon ingestion is as follows:

• mercury compounds - 0.5 g;
• mercuric chloride, calomel - 1 g;
• copper sulfate - 10 g;
• lead acetate - 50 g;
• white (lead) - 50 g;
• potassium bichromate - 3 g;
• arsenic - 0.1 g.

[6], [7], [8], [9]

Causes of the heavy metal poisoning

Heavy metals can easily penetrate the human body - through mucous tissues, skin, with inhaled air, with food. After getting into the stomach, heavy metals quickly find themselves in the blood, and then - practically in all organs and tissues of the body. Heavy metals tend to accumulate in tissues, but this process is long and can last for years.

The risk factors for heavy metals poisoning can be as follows:

• production breakdowns with the release of toxic compounds into the environment;
• work on the initially harmful production (presence of vapors, emissions);
• living next to major motorways, eating mushrooms or plants collected along the trails;
• work with oil refining products;
• work with products containing herbicides, pesticides;
• use of funds from insects, rodents;
• Drug use (accidental or overdose);
• long-term smoking experience, or smoking a large amount of tobacco daily, as well as a passive type of smoking;
• use of unsuitable containers for food and beverages.

Heavy metals are able to accumulate in plant products, in meat of animals, which we then eat. Heavy metals are found in our bodies when inhaling polluted air, when swallowed contaminated water, etc.

[10], [11], [12]

Pathogenesis

Heavy metals are a number of chemical elements, very toxic to all living things. And you can get poisoning, even without living in a metropolis or near large enterprises, and not facing industrial "harms." According to statistics, most of the poisoning by heavy metals is associated with the careless use of household chemicals, with disregard for safety techniques, as well as with suicide attempts.

But that's not all: heavy metals can be trapped everywhere. Often poisoning is given to children - usually through the fault of adults who do not pay proper attention to safety. In places accessible to children, many store both medicines and household chemicals, varnishes, solutions, fertilizers.

To suffer from poisoning can and those people who eat unwashed plant foods, drink raw water, use containers that are not intended for food storage. As a consequence - toxic components accumulate in the organs and tissues of a person, and immune defense against them is powerless. Gradually, the body's resources are depleted, and signs of intoxication are found-first light (for example, unmotivated fatigue), and then - typical for each individual metal.

The most toxic are heavy metals such as lead, mercury, thallium, copper, antimony, zinc, cadmium, nickel, bismuth.

[13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20]

Symptoms of the heavy metal poisoning

Heavy metal poisoning is characterized by a number of typical symptoms. If the poisoning has occurred through the entry of heavy metals into the stomach, then the first thing the digestive system suffers. There are such first signs:

• increased gassing;
• strong and sharp spastic pain in the abdomen;
• increased nausea, until vomiting;
• an intestinal disorder, severe diarrhea.

Chronic heavy metal poisoning is characterized by the development of chronic renal failure, mental disorders (hallucinations, delusions may occur), impaired functioning of the nervous system. The patient loses sensitivity to tastes and flavors.

There are other first signs, typical for a certain nature of the toxic substance. For example, when mercury vapor enters the body for a couple of hours, the following signs can be observed:

• sensation of taste of metal in the oral cavity;
• a feeling of heat throughout the body;
• severe diarrhea, possibly with blood and mucus;
• loss of appetite, increasing nausea, vomiting;
• sharp pains in the temples, in the abdomen;
• violations of the cardiac activity, respiratory system.

If lead poisoning has occurred, then the symptoms are mainly:

• sudden weakness, fatigue;
• joint pain;
• headache;
• spasmodic abdominal musculature contractions, vomiting;
• malfunctions of the vestibular system, dizziness.

If there has been a copper poisoning, the clinical symptoms may be:

• sensation that heat, then cold;
• headache;
• abdominal pains against the background of increased formation of gases inside the intestine;
• weakness of the musculature.

Poisoning with thallium salts usually occurs by chance and manifests itself by such signs:

• sudden and significant digestive disorder - vomiting, abundant fluid stools;
• headaches, impaired consciousness;
• convulsive attacks;
• sleep disturbance;
• sudden hypertension, tachycardia;
• dermatological problems, baldness.

If timely measures are not taken, the symptoms become worse, the condition of the victim deteriorates sharply. In severe cases it is necessary to use resuscitation measures.

[21], [22], [23], [24]

Complications and consequences

With prolonged or severe intoxication, pathomorphological transformations in the urinary system are observed. The kidneys are necrotic, degenerative processes occur in the renal epithelium. Foci of calcification and interstitial inflammatory process develop. At a macroscopic examination, the kidneys are enlarged, they acquire a light shade (the so-called "kidney soup").

If hemolysis develops, then a clinic of acute toxic nephrosis is observed.

The liver suffers: there are ubiquitous centrolobular necrotic foci, biliary stasis is noted. Hemolysis is characterized by pigmentary hepatosis with necrotic foci.

In severe cases, when assistance is not provided, the death of the victim occurs.

[25], [26], [27], [28], [29], [30], [31]

Diagnostics of the heavy metal poisoning

• The diagnosis of lead poisoning is based on the presence of high concentrations of lead in the bloodstream. In addition, tests are performed: a general blood test (detect anemia against basophilic granularity), analysis of electrolyte blood composition, analysis of hepatic samples, urinalysis. Instrumental diagnosis includes radiography (long tubular bones are examined, and elbow and fibula bones in pediatric patients).
• The diagnosis of iron poisoning is established if a high concentration of iron is determined in the blood, in accordance with the severity of intoxication. A blood test indicates anemia, biochemistry determines hypoglycemia. With instrumental research - radiography of the abdominal cavity, it is possible to determine tableted preparations containing iron.
• The diagnosis of arsenic poisoning is determined by the presence of more than 100 μg in a 24-hour urinalysis, or more than 50 μg per liter in a single portion of the urinary fluid. In chronic poisoning, arsenic can be determined by analyzing nails and hair. For the analysis of blood, anemia is characteristic against the background of basophilic granularity. The general analysis of urine allows to find out cylinders, and also a considerable quantity of erythrocytes and leukocytes.

[32], [33], [34], [35]

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is performed with acute digestive disorders, acute kidney failure of non-toxic origin, acute circulatory disorder of the brain. In differential diagnosis, free hemoglobin in the blood, the quantitative content of mercury in the blood and urinary fluid (colorimetry), the quantitative content of copper must be determined.

Treatment of the heavy metal poisoning

The first step in poisoning with heavy metals is to remove toxic substances from the body as soon as possible. The sufferer should drink plenty of liquid, which in the first stage must be ripped out, thus clearing the gastric mucosa.

Next, the patient is given sorbent drugs - such as all known activated charcoal, and other similar drugs - enterosgel, polysorb, magnesia sulfate, etc. Also, symptomatic therapy is practiced - for example, when fever is raised, antipyretic medicines are offered.

At a poisoning with heavy metals more often others use such medicines:

• The use of activated carbon : adults are prescribed 20-30 g per reception with 200-400 ml of water. The course of therapy is 5-15 days, depending on the indications. With prolonged use, it is possible to develop constipation.
• Injections of magnesium sulfate : injected intravenously, in an individually selected dosage. The maximum daily amount of the drug for an adult is 40 g. Dyspnoea, hypothermia, hypermagnesia may occur on the background of treatment.
• Calcium tablets gluconate : used to detoxify the liver (especially when poisoning with magnesium salts), 2-6 tablets up to 3 times a day. Duration of the course is one week. Against the background of calcium gluconate should increase the amount of fluid used.
• Atropine: when poisoning with salts of heavy metals, the drug is taken orally 300 μg every 5 hours. Adverse manifestations during admission can become thirst, constipation, photosensitivity, dizziness.

Antidotes for poisoning with heavy metals are administered in the hospital, against the background of complex medical measures and symptomatic therapy. For any variant of poisoning with heavy metals, an antidote such as unitiol is administered.

Do a gastric lavage with 50-100 ml of 5% unithiol to bind toxins that do not have time to enter the bloodstream. After using laxatives, a siphon enema with the addition of unithiol is carried out.

Forced diuresis is connected simultaneously with an intravenous infusion of up to 300 ml of 5% unithiol.

In addition, appoint glucocorticoid funds, analgesics, antispasmodics.

If there is toxic damage to the skin, then the therapeutic scheme includes injections of antibiotics, which are used routinely for burn skin lesions. If necessary, add vitamin preparations and hepatoprotectors.

Vitamins

When poisoning with heavy metals, the victim should be added to food an increased dose of vitamin D. When intoxication, it is recommended to eat fatty varieties of sea fish, dairy products.

Do not forget about ascorbic acid - this vitamin boosts the work of immunity, helping to quickly neutralize toxic substances. A lot of ascorbic acid in citrus, kiwi, sauerkraut, berries.

After eliminating the acute symptoms of intoxication, it is necessary to add to the diet infusion of dog rose, tomatoes, cherries, cherries. The listed products are rich in vitamin P, which accelerates the purification of blood and tissues from heavy metals.

The need to prescribe additional vitamin and mineral complexes is determined by the doctor.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

Physiotherapy does not belong to the main treatment measures used for heavy metal poisoning. With mild forms, it is possible to administer hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and the use of mineral waters with long courses.

Alternative treatment

The protein of a fresh egg helps effectively neutralize the toxic effect of heavy metals. It is advised to use it for particularly complex intoxications when there is a need to block the absorption of toxic substances. To prepare a remedy, you need to take a dozen fresh chicken eggs, separate the yolks and proteins, then mix the proteins with 400 ml of milk. The resulting "cocktail" should be drunk a little over an hour - it will bind the toxic components and accelerate their removal in a natural way.

In addition to proteins, accelerate the excretion of heavy metals such means:

• Pectin. Increasing in the digestive tract, pectin adsorbs toxins and harmful substances. Pectin in large quantities found in apples, apricots, root crops, berries, cabbage. He is present in such sweets as marshmallows, marmalade, jam. Pectin can be injected into the diet immediately after the attacks of nausea.
• Stimulants of peristalsis. The best natural stimulator of intestinal motility is cellulose. A large amount of fiber is present in dried fruits, corn, cabbage, apples, bran. The listed products can be consumed after relief of acute symptoms of intoxication.
• Calcium. It copes well with the task of removing salts of heavy metals from the musculoskeletal system of calcium. It is quite a lot in sesame seeds, in nuts, dairy products. When heavy metals are poisoned, calcium has an irreplaceable effect on the body, so it must be included in the daily diet.
• Selenium. To neutralize the toxic effect of heavy metals helps selenium, which is present in garlic, vegetable oil, eggs. Therefore, doctors advise to pay attention to these products - especially if intoxication is chronic.

[36], [37], [38], [39], [40], [41], [42]

Herbal Treatment

Antitoxic action is inherent in many medicinal herbs. However, they are recommended to be taken only with relatively non-severe variants of heavy metal poisoning, when toxic components do not interfere with the function of the organs.

• A good effect in poisoning - especially lead, has a field horsetail. To prepare the broth, you will need horsetail and boiling water, in a ratio of 1:20. The grass is poured with boiling water and insisted for about 20 minutes. You need to drink the drug every three hours, 100 ml each.
• Helps to neutralize the intoxication agent based on knotweed. Two tablespoons of herbs are insisted in half a liter of boiling water for 2 hours. Drink a drug of 100 ml every 3-4 hours.
• A pharmacy can buy a ready tincture of pink radioli - when poisoning with heavy metals take tincture of 10 drops three times a day, and a half glass of water.
• A good detoxicant recognized sunflower leaves - they will need one full art. L. Pour the leaves with a liter of boiling water, insist. Take 100 ml of honey every three hours. This agent is especially helpful in poisoning with cobalt and strontium compounds.
• When poisoning with copper or lead, an equivalent collection of field horsetail and clover is prepared. Five tablespoons of the collection is mixed with 2 tablespoons. L. Oak bark, pour boiling water (1 liter.), insist until cooling. Drink 100 ml every 2-3 hours.
• Poisoning by mercury can be neutralized by infusion from field horsetail and walnut. To prepare the medicine mix 5 tbsp. L. Herbs and 3 tbsp. L. Kernels of nuts. Pour 2 tbsp. L. Mixture 1 liter of boiling water, after an hour filtered and drink 100 ml every three hours.
• After poisoning with heavy metals it is required to restore the liver. To do this, take 20 grams of rhizome elecampane, steam 250 ml of boiling water, after 20 minutes filtered. Take 1 tbsp. L. Once every three hours, before eating.
• Dandelion has an antitoxic effect. To prepare the medicine it will take 6 g. This amount is poured in 200 ml of boiling water, insist for about half an hour, filtered. Drink 1 tbsp. L. Three times a day, before meals.
• Poisoning with salts of heavy metals can be neutralized with decoction of anise seed. It will take 400 ml of boiling water and 20 seeds of anise - the product is steamed in a thermos bottle and aged for at least half an hour. Next, the infusion is filtered and the victim is given a drink - then immediately cause vomiting. After cleansing the stomach, another similar portion of the medicine is brewed: her patient should take twice for six hours.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic treatment is prescribed only for mild forms of poisoning with heavy metals, and only after complete purification of the digestive system.

It is possible to use the following homeopathic remedies in individual dosages:

• Nuks vomica - relieves convulsions and soreness along the digestive tract, facilitates discomfort associated with nausea, vomiting and fever.
• Arsenicum album - facilitates the condition, relieves burning and abdominal pain, relieves spasms of smooth muscles.
• Carbo vegetabilis - eliminates intestinal distress, normalizes the processes of gas formation. Eliminates severe weakness and fever.
• Pulsatilla - normalizes digestive processes, stops severe diarrhea, eliminates bloating.
• Hina - helps with severe flatulence, diarrhea, relieves the state of chills and fever.

If the poisoning is severe, then you must always seek medical help in the hospital. Homeopathic remedies are not emergency medications.

Prevention

Preventive measures usually consist in observance of such rules:

• one should not forget about industrial safety equipment;
• Do not ignore the rules for disposing of batteries and depressurized thermometers;
• Do not use copper and galvanized containers for storing and consuming food and drinks;
• any vegetable products need to be washed immediately before use;
• do not collect mushrooms, berries, medicinal plants, vegetables, fruits, if there are large industrial facilities or motorways nearby;
• Do not use water without knowing its quality.

Household chemical solutions and liquids, as well as medicines and paints should be stored in strictly designated places, inaccessible to children and mentally unbalanced people. When working with fertilizers and insecticides, special care must be taken when applying all necessary personal protective equipment.

[43], [44], [45], [46], [47]

Forecast

After acute poisoning with heavy metals in light or medium-heavy form, the recovery can last up to 2 weeks. In case of severe poisoning, the victim may be on inpatient treatment for up to 2 months, without a 100% guarantee of complete recovery of the body. Separate signs of intoxication are able to remain in a person for life.

Chronic heavy metal poisoning rarely ends with a complete cure. As a rule, treatment can eliminate most of the painful symptoms, but it is practically impossible to completely get rid of the consequences of prolonged intoxication.

[48], [49]