ALLERGY TO METALS
Some metals are known specifically to cause allergy – nickel and chromates (salts of chromium). These are discussed below. Otherwise, metals are not generally known to cause allergy or sensitivity. Heavy metals (such as lead or cadmium), which can sometimes be absorbed from tapwater, can cause health problems. Aluminium, too, has been linked to some cases of illness. These forms of illness are not thought to be due to the same mechanism as chemical sensitivity. One theory is that processing or detoxifying metals in the body uses enzymes or co-factors which are needed for other detoxifying or metabolising processes. This depresses the immune system’s functioning, and can exacerbate chemical sensitivity or food intolerance which are sometimes linked to enzyme defects. Thus, absorbing metals may not itself cause a specific reaction, but it may affect the body’s overall tolerance of allergens, foods and chemicals.
Some people with allergies and sensitivity find that their symptoms do improve by taking care to avoid absorbing metals. Specific measures which help include using filtered water and using ceramic cookware. In extreme cases, replacement of amalgam dental fillings (which contain mercury) with fillings of other material can help.
Cookers and grills can give off fumes when used but these are usually from chemicals applied to metal surfaces, or special linings, rather than from metal itself.
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