Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: thedoc on 20/09/2016 18:53:01

Title: What are the symptoms of strontium metal poisoning?
Post by: thedoc on 20/09/2016 18:53:01
Teresa asked the Naked Scientists:
   Good morning Chris
I am from South Africa and love your talks on the 702 radio.
Could you please explain the effects of Strontium heavy metal poisoning. I had this some 8 years ago, it effected my feet, they felt like fire and walking on nails. I used to soak my feet in blocks of ice. It was subsequently removed over a 18 month period.
Since then I have had ; Light, smell, touch and noise sensitivity and I have difficulty keeping myself warm. I sleep wrapped in a polar fleece blanket summer and winter. My feet and hands are always cold. I am basically a healthy person with only arthritis in my hands, spine and feet. I do not take any chronic medicine. Your opinion on this matter would be appreciated.
What do you think?
Title: Re: What are the effects of Strontium heavy metal poisoning?
Post by: Bored chemist on 20/09/2016 19:34:49
A couple of points
Firstly, if you are unwell consult a doctor rather than a web site.
Secondly, why do you think you were poisoned by strontium?
It's not very toxic.
Title: Re: What are the effects of Strontium heavy metal poisoning?
Post by: exothermic on 21/09/2016 11:38:01
why do you think you were poisoned by strontium?
It's not very toxic.

That would depend entirely on the route of entry, acute vs long-term exposure and the dose.

Actually strontium can have some devastating effects on Ca2+ displacement & bone resorption.

The aforementioned symptoms seem to coincide with toxic neuropathy.
Title: Re: What are the effects of Strontium heavy metal poisoning?
Post by: Bored chemist on 21/09/2016 20:29:31
why do you think you were poisoned by strontium?
It's not very toxic.

That would depend entirely on the route of entry, acute vs long-term exposure and the dose.

Actually strontium can have some devastating effects on Ca2+ displacement & bone resorption.

The aforementioned symptoms seem to coincide with toxic neuropathy.

Yes, but my point stands. It's not something people usually get accidentally exposed to, so the interesting question remains "why do you think you were poisoned by strontium?"
Title: Re: What are the effects of Strontium heavy metal poisoning?
Post by: exothermic on 21/09/2016 21:58:55
Yes, but my point stands. It's not something people usually get accidentally exposed to, so the interesting question remains "why do you think you were poisoned by strontium?"

Via a diagnoses from an ER doc I would assume.
Title: Re: What are the symptoms of strontium metal poisoning?
Post by: Bored chemist on 21/09/2016 22:22:50
Yes, perhaps, but how do you get poisoned by something that's pretty obscure and not very toxic?
Title: Re: What are the symptoms of strontium metal poisoning?
Post by: exothermic on 21/09/2016 23:02:42
Yes, perhaps, but how do you get poisoned by something that's pretty obscure and not very toxic?

Yeah, I wonder if it was stable strontium or 89/90-Sr?

Or hexavalent chromium from strontium chromate?

Still though....  I'm in for an answer on how this could happen.