As concerns about environmental contaminants grow, new research has identified tellurium, a metalloid element, as a potential threat to cardiovascular health. Tellurium is a naturally occurring element found in the Earth’s crust. Still, its presence in the environment has increased due to industrial activities such as mining, coal combustion, and metal refining. These activities release tellurium into the air, water, and soil, where plants can absorb it and subsequently enter the food chain.
Tellurium is primarily used in various industrial applications, including producing metal alloys, semiconductors, thermoelectric devices, and the rubber and glass industries. For example, it is a key component in cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar panels widely used in photovoltaic cells to generate electricity. However, the industrial processes that utilize tellurium can lead to its release into the environment, where it may contaminate soil and water.
In particular, mushrooms have been found to contain high levels of tellurium, up to 0.5 mg/kg, likely due to their ability to absorb and accumulate metals from the soil. Certain grains also showed tellurium levels of up to 0.3 mg/kg, indicating that crops grown in contaminated soils or near industrial areas may be at risk of accumulating this element.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives revealed that chronic exposure to tellurium, even at low levels (0.1 mg/kg body weight per day), was associated with a 15% increase in blood pressure. Additionally, blood samples from exposed individuals showed a 40% increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a known contributor to the development of cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that even small amounts of tellurium could pose significant health risks.
This research highlights the importance of environmental medicine, a field in which naturopathic doctors excel. By recognizing and addressing the impacts of environmental toxins, naturopathic doctors can help patients reduce their exposure and mitigate associated health risks.
Naturopathic doctors are experts in environmental medicine trained to recognize and treat the health impacts of environmental toxins. For expert guidance on reducing exposure to environmental toxins and improving heart health, find a naturopathic doctor at www.naturopathicdoctors.com.
Reference:
Jones, D. R., et al. (2024). Tellurium Contamination and Cardiovascular Health. Environmental Health Perspectives.