NJ Cops | Page 69

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 67 the liver and the reproductive system, as well as basic cellular processes and brain functions. Lead causes nerve and mental problems, especially affecting learning ability in children. It was reported that the IQs of middle-class children dropped five-to-seven points after lead exposure. Symptoms include: abdominal pain, colics, severe and repeated vomiting, irritability, hyperactivity, anorexia, loss of appetite, mental disturbances, anemia, gastric distress, fatigue, weight loss, headaches, vertigo, tremor, joint pain, poor coordination, neuritis, poor memory and constipation. Sources include: lead based paints, crystal, ceramics, canned food, food crops, artificial colors, water contamination, industrial pollution and some fertilizers. Silver/Colloidal Silver Silver occurs naturally in very low concentrations in soil, plants and animal tissues, jewelry, electronic equipment, dental fillings and photographic materials, as well as in food that comes in silver-plated vessels, silver solder, silver foil (used in decorating cakes). Some water treatment systems including water filters use silver compounds to kill bacteria. There is much controversy over the long-term safety of consumption of colloidal silver. Very high intake of colloidal silver has been reported to give rise to tumors in the liver and spleen of laboratory animals. Symptoms of colloidal silver include: skin disorders and discoloration, and organ system malfunction. CONTINUED ON PAGE 70 ■ JANUARY 2015 69 2015 HEALTH AND WELLNESS OUTLOOK www.njcopsmagazine.com