In recent years, heavy metal toxicity related to the use\r\nof traditional Chinese and Indian herbal medications\r\nhas been reported in a number of countries, including\r\nAustralia. Heavy metals such as lead or mercury may\r\nbe introduced into herbal medications through\r\ncontaminated soil or production techniques, or may be\r\ndeliberately included as a therapeutic ingredient.\r\nParticularly when consumed over prolonged periods,\r\nheavy metals have been detected in some products at\r\nlevels sufficient to cause significant toxicity. Currently,\r\nthese medications may be imported for personal use\r\nwithout licence or testing, and there is continued risk\r\nthat Australians may develop heavy metal toxicity\r\nthrough their use.\r\nThis article will review heavy metal toxicity related to\r\nherbal preparations, and argue that the current\r\nregulatory framework could be strengthened through\r\nthe use of targeted public educational campaigns and\r\nthe provision of free heavy metal testing for imported\r\nmedications.
Loading....