Accumulating too much of certain metals in the body can lead to dangerous symptoms.

Heavy metal poisoning is caused by the accumulation of certain metals in the body due to exposure through food, water, industrial chemicals, or other sources.

While our bodies need small amounts of some heavy metals — such as zinc, copper, chromium, iron, and manganese — toxic amounts are harmful.

If your body’s soft tissues accumulate too much of heavy metals, the resulting poisoning can cause serious damage.

Lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are the metals most commonly associated with heavy metal poisoning in the United States.

Men and women are equally susceptible to heavy metal poisoning if they’re exposed in the same ways.

While children in the United States are still more prone to getting lead poisoning than adults, the number of children with harmful levels of lead in the blood has dropped 85 percent over the past 20 years, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

Mercury poisoning is very rare in children.

Causes of Heavy Metal Poisoning

Heavy metal poisoning can be caused by:

  • Industrial exposure
  • Air or water pollution
  • Foods
  • Medicines
  • Improperly coated food containers, plates, and cookware
  • Ingestion of lead-based paints

Heavy Metal Poisoning Symptoms

Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning depend on the type of metal causing toxicity.

If you have acute heavy metal poisoning — meaning you were exposed to a large amount of metal at once (for example, by swallowing a toy) — your symptoms may include:

  • Confusion
  • Numbness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Falling into a coma

Long-term or chronic exposure to heavy metals may cause the following symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Tiredness
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Constipation

Heavy Metal Poisoning Treatment

Your doctor may recommend a urine or blood test to find out if you have heavy metal poisoning.

If the test shows that you do have heavy metal poisoning, the first step of treatment is to eliminate the exposure.

Other forms of treatment may include:

  • Chelating agents such as Chemet (succimer), which bind to the metal and are then excreted in your urine
  • Suctioning of the stomach to remove some ingested metals
  • A diuretic called mannitol (Aridol, Osmitrol), corticosteroid drugs, or intracranial monitoring for swelling of the brain
  • Hemodialysis and/or other special treatments if kidney failure occurs

Heavy Metal Poisoning Prevention

The following tips may help you prevent heavy metal poisoning:

  • Wear masks and protective clothing if you work around heavy metals
  • Since many metals accumulate in dust and dirt, keep these out of your home as much as possible
  • Pay attention to local fish advisories regarding mercury levels
  • Be aware of potential sources of lead exposure
  • Check for any heavy metals listed on the labels of products you bring into your home