Toxic metals can be found all around us and while some are common, others can be quite hard to find. However, not many people know that there also exists something called toxic metals and these can be found in our day-to-day jewelry too. In this article, we try to shed some light on these toxic metals and how they can affect us. Ready to find out?
Toxic Metals to Avoid in Jewellery
There are various metals that should be avoided in jewelry, let’s take a look at some of them below.
Nickel
Many people don’t realize that nickel is a toxic metal, given its wide usage everywhere, However, as it turns out, nickel can be quite dangerous for many people, especially those who have a nickel allergy – it can cause itchiness, redness, and blistering. Other than allergies, it can also be dangerous when you are overexposed to it. This happens when we keep nickel against our skin for long periods of time, such as a whole day or more.
Nickel is found in almost everything, from batteries to coins and various appliances. It is also present in stainless steel, as it prevents the steel from rusting. This makes it essential to not have it in your jewelry as you are already exposed to nickel throughout the day via other things. Having it in your jewelry might just be the overexposure that you would want to avoid.
Lead
It is a widely known fact that if lead enters your body, it can cause severe damage. Even mild exposure to lead can cause stomach pain, fatigue, tingling hands and feet, and more. When exposed to lead for a longer period of time, it can cause lead poisoning which can have serious behavioral implications such as depression, irritability, and forgetfulness.
While lead has been illegal for a few decades now, you may still have traces of it in older products in your house. It can also be found in jewelry pieces made by unethical manufacturers or in antiques.
Cadmium
With the ban on lead, cadmium has come to the rise. It is a known carcinogen and can cause severe kidney and bone damage. It can also replace the healthy zinc found in your body as well as cause iron deficiency.
We can find it in cigarette smoke, including e-cigarettes. It is also used in rechargeable batteries and trace amounts can be found in fruits, vegetables, and meat. It is also widely used in making jewelry and as filler metal in low-quality consumer products.
Copper
Copper is a common metal used in everyday life. While it is necessary to have trace amounts of copper in your body, any more than that and copper becomes toxic. Symptoms of copper poisoning include cramps, fever, headaches, yellowing skin and eyes, and more. Overexposure to copper, in the long run, can also cause damage to your heart, brain, and liver.
Copper is found in pots, pans, coins, wires, and jewelry. If you find yourself at risk for copper toxicity, it may be a good idea to avoid wearing it on your skin.
Aluminum
Most widely available in the earth’s crust, aluminum, when absorbed by the body can actually be very toxic. It can cause ulcers, rashes, and arthritic pain among other things.
Exposure to aluminum can also lead to brain damage, resulting in loss of memory, coordination, and balance.
A limited amount of aluminum can be found all around us – in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe – it does not cause any harm. However, aluminum can be dangerous for those who already have a pre-existing kidney problem, thereby making it a metal that should be avoided in jewelry.
The Miraya Store
Ace that office-look or bring grace to weddings, make your travel look chic and girl’s night out more glam. From handcrafted artisanal Jewellery like Earrings, Rings, Maang Tikkas, Bangles, and necklaces to flamboyant, bold pieces, we have carefully curated something for every mood and occasion.
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