J Korean Inst Funct Med.  2024 Nov;7(2):6-18. 10.32581/jkifm.2024.7.2.6.

Diagnosis of heavy metal exposure and treatment of heavy metal poisoning

• Park CM

• KMID: 2568792
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.32581/jkifm.2024.7.2.6

Abstract

Heavy metals are substances that are widely present in the environment and are also used in human industrial activities. Heavy metals that cause major clinical problems include mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminum. Heavy metals can be exposed to humans not only through food but also through environmental media and household products. Although heavy metal exposure sources are managed by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, exposure may vary depending on the local environment or individual dietary habits. It is relatively easy to determine the cause of acute exposure of high-concentration heavy metals in industrial sites. However, long-term exposure to low-concentration heavy metals can lead to chronic symptoms specific to the cardiovascular system, liver, kidney, nerve, skin, immune system and reproductive organ. Therefore, if there is no response to conventional treatment, testing for heavy metals and treatment for heavy metal poisoning can be considered. In this article, I would like to present the diagnosis and treatment of heavy metal poisoning.

Keyword

Heavy metals; Heavy metal poisoning; Mercury; Cadmium