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These symptoms can occur between two and eight weeks after initial exposure.
#MERCURY POISONING SYMPTOMS SKIN#
They may also exhibit hardened patches of skin on their palms and feet, known as hyperkeratosis, as well as unusual darkening or reddening of the skin and scale-like inflammation. With chronic arsenic exposure-usually a result of working in environments where the heavy metal toxin is common-people may experience a significant weakening of muscles and muscle aches, along with chills and a fever. Some people may experience bad breath odors that smell like garlic. Arsenic accumulation can also cause white bands extending across the fingernails. It can also contribute to neurological symptoms, including significant brain damage, nerve disease in your extremities, and a breakdown of the fatty layer covering nerve fibers, known as the myelin sheath.Īrsenic poisoning can also affect the skin, resulting in a collection of arsenic in the soft layers just below the skin, known as edema. Overexposure to arsenic compounds can lead to drowsiness, headaches, confusion, and seizures. Arsenic poisoning symptomsĪrsenic is commonly used in chemical pesticides and certain industrial applications. Heavy metal poisoning during pregnancy can potentially contribute to premature births or miscarriages.Īlong with the above, different metals can also exhibit their own specific symptoms, as described below.
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However, the four most common heavy metals that can get absorbed in toxic amounts are: This can occur with potentially any metal if it is present in high enough quantities. Heavy metal poisoning can happen when you absorb too much of any particular heavy metal toxin. In fact, your body naturally contains heavy metals that are necessary for basic bodily functions, including zinc, copper, and iron. Heavy metals have a wide range of applications in various industries, including medicine, agriculture, and even food. Examples of heavy metals include copper, platinum, mercury, and lead. The term refers to naturally-occurring metallic elements that are especially dense (in other words, they are “heavy for their size” compared to many other elements). Heavy metals are a category of elements in the periodic table. Continue reading to learn more about the signs and symptoms of heavy metal poisoning, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and more.Ĭheck your body’s levels of 4 toxic chemical elements that can put your health at risk-including arsenic, cadmium, and mercury-with the at-home Heavy Metals Test. Knowing the symptoms to look out for may help you protect your health against the effects of heavy metal toxins. Heavy metals are one class of chemical elements that can contribute to some severe and sometimes life-threatening issues. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.Įxcessive exposure to certain chemical elements can be dangerous. Medically reviewed by Neka Miller, PhD on January 21, 2021.
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