Arsenic 74.92 I
As 33
By Jared M. Skowron, ND & Michelle Hessberger, ND, LAc
n 1944, Cary Grant starred in the movie Arsenic and Old Lace, which was based on a play centering around arsenic poi- sonings in Windsor, Connecticut. The play was written as a comedy, and at the time, no one would have expected the outbursts of consistent arsenic toxicities we’re see- ing today. First, Dr. Oz found arsenic in apple juice, and the medical community condemned him for scaring the country and caring parents with such lies and travesties. Consumer Reports magazine silenced his critics when they published a report confirm- ing high arsenic levels in apple juice and grape juice. Then, in the middle of February 2012, another report came from Dartmouth stating that high levels of arsenic were found in brown rice syrup, which is an ingredient in some infant formulas. It seems like no matter where we turn we are finding poison in our foods.
The Two Forms of Arsenic There are two types of arsenic, organic
and inorganic. Arsenic is a natural ele- ment in the earth, just as there is calcium or sulphur. It can be converted into organic arsenic, which is not harmful, or it can be
converted into inorganic arsenic that is toxic. Arsenic is naturally found in plants, including fruits and vegetables, that are grown in ground that naturally contains arsenic. Pesticides sprayed on fruit orchards and other foods contain arsenic. Lumber was previously treated with arsenic, and the arsenic will release into the air if that lumber is burned. (Lumber created recently does not contain arsenic). Arsenic is also used in certain electronics and smelting, and is an exposure risk in those production areas. Arsenic levels are usually tested by town water departments. The EPA has set a limit of 0.01 parts per million of arsenic that can be in your town water. Well water should be tested. In other words, you and your children
can unknowingly eat, drink, or inhale arsenic. Toxic Effects
Ingesting high levels of arsenic at one
time, while rare, can cause anemia, abnor- mal heart rhythms, tingling in the hands and feet, or even death. Most of us are not exposed to acute high levels, but rather con- sistent small levels. This type of exposure can cause diarrhea, kidney damage, an increased risk of skin cancer, liver cancer, bladder can- cer, and lung cancer. More of a concern for our children, arsenic causes a decrease in IQ scores and can cross the placenta while the child is in the womb.
Arsenic and Autism Cleveland State University published
a recent study in December 2011 showing elevated levels of arsenic in hair samples of children on the autism spectrum. This may add to the amount of oxidative stress in the brains of these children. Hair analysis will confirm toxicity within the past 6 or 12
30 Natural Nutmeg April 2012
months (depending on the amount of hair analyzed). The Project FRONTIER study, performed in Texas and published in March 2011, showed elevated arsenic levels are associated with poorer scores in language, visual-spatial skills, executive functioning, poorer scores in global cognition, processing speed and immediate memory. Penn State analyzed a group of 526 first-grade students showing arsenic levels are not associated with parent ratings of behavior, however are modestly associated with higher scores on the Oppositional, Cognitive Problems and ADHD sub-scales of the teacher ratings. Ho- meopathic provings of arsenic consistently show symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, and diarrhea.
Action Steps Don’t be daunted by the media! Take ac-
tion right now. Get your arsenic levels tested immediately. A quick urine test is all that is needed to analyze acute arsenic exposure. Test your organic (good) and inorganic (bad) arsenic levels. Conventional labs run these tests and they are covered by insurance plans. Hair testing can also be performed to show longer arsenic exposure. If arsenic is found, take action with food and water analysis, along with a complete detoxifica- tion program.
Clinical Stories In my office, I test arsenic levels on
almost every child that I see. While toxic lev- els in adults is more than 50ug/d, I common- ly see levels double or triple that in children with autism. One child even had twenty times the toxic adult level! Natural detoxi- fication (not chelation) is safe and effective in removing arsenic. Everyday I see children who are speaking more, have decreased
Arsenic
and Autism
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