As humans we are constantly exposed to the environment we live in. Toxins can get into our bodies from the food we ingest, while we get others from drinking contaminated water. Bathing with contaminated water also carries numerous health risks. This is also true about the air we breathe. For many people living in heavily polluted parts of our country, particles in the air are an important contributor to health problems. Smoking cigarettes are well known to increase the risk of cancer and heart disease as well as increase the risk of osteoporosis or bone metabolism problems.
A study published in Lancet Planetary Health showed that the risk of bone fractures increased as the level of pollution in the environment increased. The study also showed that people who lived in these polluted areas have dysfunctional parathyroid hormone levels and low bone mineral density. Pollutants in the air are believed to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and fractures. All three conditions seriously affect the quality of life and increase the risk of death. Unlike cigarette smoking, where smoking cessation programs could be an option, for many people living in heavily polluted parts of our country removing oneself from a pollutant can be quite challenging.
For those living in heavily polluted areas or those who are worried about their health condition due to environmental pollution, it is wise to discuss with a doctor what strategies that can be adopted to mitigate the health risks associated with pollutants in the air. There will be circumstances in which an individual will be able to reduce exposure to environmental pollutants. However, management of endocrine abnormalities and removal of toxins are part of the management of patients living in heavily polluted areas and those who have medical problems due to environmental pollution.
At the Salerno Center, we administer chelating agents intravenously (IV chelation) for the removal of toxins such as Lead and Mercury.
