How It Works

Contents of the Cadmium Heavy Metal Test Kit:

Color Strip

1 Colour strip on box of the kit 1 Large test tube 1 vial with clear cap - reagent 1 1 vial with blue cap - reagent 2 1 vial with reddish brown substance - reagent 3

Prepare the reagent solution for testing Remove the 3 small vials from the large test tube In the empty large test-tube, add 6 ml. of the solution to be tested Add the colourless liquid from the blue cap vial (reagent 2) to the solution to be tested in the large test tube ("combined solutions"). Turn the test large test tube gently up and down a few times (at least 3) to make sure that the 2 liquids are well mixed together

Add the colourless liquid from the clear cap vial (reagent 1) to the reddish brown substance in the red cap vial (reagent 3). Close the cap of the red cap vial and shake until the reddish-brown substance has been mostly dissolved ("mixed solution"). This might take a little while

The solutions are now ready for testing... Conducting the test Pour the "mixed solutions" (reagents 1 and 3) in the vial with the reddish brown substance into the large test-tube containing the "combined solutions" (reagent 2 and solution to be tested) Allow combined solutions in the large test-tube to settle for 6 minutes - no shaking is required but you may have to tilt the test tube or "roll" it gently a few times to make sure the solutions are mixed well to obtain a true and accurate colour change Compare the colour of the combined solutions in the large test-tube to the colour strip provided. In case of comparison difficulties, try holding the test-tube against the colour strip just above liquid level of large test-tube. Move along the colour strip until colour of solution matches with that of the colour strip The number on the colour strip indicates the concentration of mercury ions present in the solution in ppm If the concentration of the mercury ions is higher than 2 ppm the solution will change into a strong pink colour after a period of time If the concentration is extremely low or no mercury ions are present, the colour of the solution will clear and become almost colourless after a period of time. However, when saliva is tested and there are strong digestive enzymes present, these digestive enzymes may affect the final colour. Instead of becoming colourless, the solution may turn into a different colour (such as green)

Reading the results of the test Toxicity Limits

The exact level where organic cadmium becomes toxic is not clear. Its about 40-45 mcg. intake daily is probably safe. Below 0.015 - 2 ppm is considered current normal ranges. The reading for inorganic cadmium presence should be 0.

The numbers indicate parts per million

Additional Cadmium is a zinc-refinement by-product. The body has no use for cadmium. It's in many products on the market today including:

Nickel Cadmium Batteries Making the Batteries Presents the Danger Petroleum Products Phosphate Fertilizers Detergents Pigments Most Commonly the Yellow Pigment

Cadmium toxicity has been linked to:

Renal Dysfunction Lung Disease Bone Degeneration Increased Blood Pressure Several Types of Cancer

Cadmium appears to depress some immune functions, mainly by reducing host resistance to bacteria and viruses. It may increase cancer risk, possibly for the lungs and prostate. Cadmium toxicity has been implicated in generating prostate enlargement, possibly by interfering with zinc support. The cadmium effect may also contribute to heart diseases as well Cadmium also affects the bones. It has been known to cause bone and joint aches and pains. This syndrome, first described in Japan, where it was termed the itai-itai ("ouch-ouch") disease, was caused by cadmium pollution there. It was also associated with weak bones that led to

deformities, especially of the spine, or to more easily broken bones. This disease was fatal in many cases. Cadmium is not very well absorbed, with a rate of about 20 percent, but this is still a higher rate than that of other minerals. Cadmium is not particularly well eliminated by the body, mainly through feces and urine. This mineral is stored primarily in the liver and kidneys. Cadmium like zinc is also stored in the testes in higher concentrations than in other tissues. Cadmium accumulation in the kidneys (with aging) may cause hypertension.