Heavy Metals & Persistent Infections Heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium are widely known for their toxic effects, but research shows they also directly interfere with the immune system , making it harder to fight infections. Chronic exposure to heavy metals has been linked with higher rates of persistent infections , including viral infections (CMV, HSV-1, Hepatitis C) and parasitic infections like Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara . Here’s what happens biologically:
