Heavy Metal Poisoning

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Heavy Metal Poisoning is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Heavy Metal Toxicity

Disorder Subdivisions

Aluminum Poisoning
Antimony Poisoning
Arsenic Poisoning
Cadmium Poisoning
Chromium Poisoning
Cobalt Poisoning
Copper Poisoning
Lead Poisoning
Lithium Poisoning
Manganese Poisoning
Mercury Poisoning
Silver Poisoning
Zinc Poisoning
Barium Poisoning
Bismuth Poisoning
Gold Poisoning
Iron Poisoning
Selenium Poisoning
Phosphorous Poisoning
Platinum Poisoning
Tin Poisoning
Nickel Poisoning
Thallium Poisoning

General Discussion

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 metal accumulated. Many of the heavy metals, such as zinc, copper, chromium, iron and manganese, are essential to body function in very small amounts. But, if these metals accumulate in the body in concentrations sufficient to cause poisoning, then serious damage may occur. The heavy metals most commonly associated with poisoning of humans are lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. Heavy metal poisoning may occur as a result of industrial exposure, air or water pollution, foods, medicines, improperly coated food containers, or the ingestion of lead-based paints.

Resources

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Consumer Nutrition and Health Information
10903 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Tel: (301)575-0156
Tel: (888)463-6332
Internet: http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/ConsumerInformation/default.htm

Human Ecology Action League, Inc.
P.O. Box 509
Stockbridge, GA 30281
Tel: (770)389-4519
Fax: (770)389-4520
Email: HEALNatnl@aol.com
Internet: http://www.healnatl.org

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Washington Office (Headquarters)
395 E Street, S.W.
Suite 9200
Patriots Plaza Building
Washington, DC 20201
Tel: (202)245-0625
Tel: (800)356-4674
Email: pubstaft@cdc.gov
Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html

National Safety Council/Environmental Health Center
Lead Program, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202)293-2270
Fax: (202)659-1192
TDD: (202)293-0113
Email: leadctr@nsc.org
Internet: http://www.nsc.org/ehc/lead.htm

MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay, WI 54301-1243
USA
Tel: (920)336-5333
Fax: (920)339-0995
Tel: (877)336-5333
Email: mums@netnet.net
Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
TDD: (888)205-3223
Email: ordr@od.nih.gov
Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/Default.aspx

Madisons Foundation
PO Box 241956
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: (310)264-0826
Fax: (310)264-4766
Email: getinfo@madisonsfoundation.org
Internet: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 3/28/2008
Copyright 1989, 1991, 1998, 2006 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

Go to top of page

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.