Are Heavy Metals in Skin Care and Tattoos making us Sick?

by Vanita Dahia

The University of California study in Environmental Health Perspectives found 9 toxic heavy metals, including cadmium, arsenic, aluminium, manganese and other toxins in 32 lipsticks. (1)

Women, and some men may apply lipsticks from 2 to 14 times a day.

Lead and Mercury may also be found in skin lighting creams , anti-caking makeup and long lasting lipsticks.

Women including Elizabeth l were inspired a generation of women to smear lead all over their faces in their skin-lightening creams during the renaissance.

Metals and colours in Tattoos

Tattoo ink may contain potentially harmful metal impurities such as chromium, nickel, copper, cobalt, nickel and arsenic

Red causes the most problems, most other colours of standard tattoo ink are also derived from heavy metals including lead, antimony, beryllium, chromium and cobalt.

• Barium or Titanium for white
• Iron for black, red, or brown
• Copper or Cobalt for blue
• Titanium for white
• Nickel for black
• Cadmium for yellow, orange, or red
• Lead for white, green, or yellow
• Mercury for red

The amount of heavy metals in tattoo inks varies from brand to brand. Some inks contain no heavy metals at all, while others contain high levels. It is important to do your research before getting a tattoo and choose an ink that is low in heavy metals.

Heavy metals can enter your body through a tattoo in a few ways:

• During the tattooing process: When the needle pierces the skin, it can release small amounts of ink into the bloodstream.
• Over time: As the tattoo ages, the ink can break down and release small amounts of heavy metals into the body.
• If the tattoo is damaged: If the tattoo is scratched or cut, it can release more ink into the body.

Health effects of heavy metals in tattoos

The health effects of heavy metals in tattoos are not fully understood. However, some studies have shown that exposure to heavy metals can lead to health problems, such as:

• Neurological problems: Heavy metals can damage the nervous system, leading to problems with memory, concentration, and coordination.
• Kidney problems: Heavy metals can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney disease.
• Cancer: Heavy metals have been linked to certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer and bladder cancer.

Thoughts on Zeolite & Clinoptilolite testing positive for lead and other heavy metals?

Natural volcanic rock naturally do contain trace amounts of metals bound to rock particles. I have contacted our chief Clinoptilolite supplier of TGA registered product and learnt that the modified activated Clinoptilolite undergoes a high temp patented process to render a clean crystalised raw material. The particle size is also controlled to ensure that Clinoptilolite works in the gut and is not absorbed in the blood stream.

Note that sources of raw material found overseas may not undergo this process and therefore may not be equivalent to TGA standard in Australia.

Thallium sits between mercury and lead on the periodic table.

Thallium is a highly toxic element found in petrol and diesel fuels. People who work or live in close proximity to main roads or freeways may be at increased risk of thallium intoxication. A low dietary potassium intake, e.g. by a lack of fresh fruits that are rich in potassium, seems to predispose to this condition.

Inside cells, thallium enters the mitochondria where it inhibits cellular respiration by blocking oxidative phosphorylation. The principal effect of such poisoning is marked fatigue. Indeed, some patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may in fact be suffering from thallium (and/or arsenic) toxicities.(2)

Use of Heavy Metals in Daily Life

Heavy Metal exposure Signs and Symptoms

• Affects nervous system, lung, heart, liver, and kidney if toxic exposure

• Damage the nervous system and heart and can cause death

• Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea within 3-4 hours of exposure

• Painful and rapidly progressing peripheral neuropathies (numbness, tingling and pain, especially on the soles and palms) about 2-5 days after exposure

Detoxify Heavy Metal Toxicity

• Remove source of exposure

• Consider chelation therapy and liver detoxification

Educational Webinar

How Toxic are Metals in the Body?

You will learn:

• Nuts and bolts of metals
• Impact of heavy metal toxicity in the body
• How to measure toxic levels
• How to detoxify and chelate heavy metals from the body

Test for Metal Toxicity

Check your Metal and Toxic load by completing the Toxin Load Questionnaire by BioPractica

Heavy metal testing is usually tested with essential minerals in one of many samples. Hair metal and mineral analysis is easy, convenient and relatively inexpensive, and represents storage of metals . Heavy metals can also be measured in a urine, blood red cell, faecal or saliva sample.