Skin and gastrointestinal tract problems are often reported by surfers who use polluted water areas for their activities. Falling into the water increases the risk. Diarrhea, congestive heart failure, gastritis, kidney insufficiency, thyroid abnormalities, and mental changes may occur with high iodine levels. Researchers are now discovering that exposure to even small amounts of asbestos may be sufficient to induce this type of cancer. Carpenters, boilermakers, steam fitters, ship builders, electricians, plumbers, brake lining installers, chemical plant workers, powerhouse and refinery personnel and maintenance staff have all been exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos is found in shingles, asphalt, plastics, concrete, pipes and paint.
Mesothelioma may develop 40 years after asbestos exposure. A recent study of the levels of methyl mercury in fish cautions us that the effects of methyl mercury poisoning are irreversible and methyl mercury levels should be monitored on an ongoing basis. Methyl mercury passes readily into the placenta and through the blood-brain barrier. Some researchers have suggested that even low doses of these toxins may be responsible for subtle neurological changes. Dr. Garret A. Fitzgerald, a Vanderbilt University clinical pharmacologist, points out that solid data substantiating this are still inconclusive, and that the safety of long-term use of fish oil supplements is unknown.