Jennifer asked:


My husband is in steal fabrication. He gets little metal shards in his clothing all the time (grinding dust, drill shards). We just switched from renting his uniforms to buying them. So now I have to worry about my washer getting the shards in the pump or where ever else they may travel.

Is there anyway to safe guard against this, or should we just pack them up and head to the Laundry mat?

My machine is a Front loader if that matters.

webmaster asked:


In the discussion of metal roofing (see Metal Roofing: A Buying Guide), the word "metal" covers a lot of ground. Several metals are used for roofing materials: steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and zinc alloys. Each has different properties that affect durability, price, and appearance.

Steel, used for most metal roofing, is heavier and sturdier than aluminum. Manufacturers have settled on a number of durable coatings and finishes that protect steel from rust and corrosion. It’s usually zinc-coated for corrosion protection, then sealed. A coating of epoxy primer offers adhesion and a baked-on acrylic top coating adds color and protection. Because sheet systems are designed for commercial applications, they generally are given highly durable paint finishes. One popular flurocarbon coating used on many products is called Kynar(r). Stainless steel–a very expensive roofing material–won’t rust or corrode. Terne coating (see below) can give it a natural, matt-gray finish.

Aluminum, extremely lightweight, is the material used in much residential metal roofing. It won’t rust, but must be painted or coated for appearance. Coatings are similar to those used on steel. Environmentalists express concerns about using this precious resource for purposes such as roofing. Copper metal shingles make a visually striking roof that may last as long as the house.

Copper, rooted in centuries of use, will not rust, has no "finish" to scratch or peel, is soft enough to easily tool, and weathers naturally to a beautiful verdigris patina. Unfortunately, it’s very expensive. Alloys are formulated for strength, graceful weathering and durability. Cost depends on the specific material but, as a group, they are pricey.

The Benefits of Metal Roofing

Metal beats out conventional roofing materials on a number of counts:

Expected life. Properly installed, a metal roof should last as long as the house, completely sealing out water, surviving high winds and easily shedding snow. Metal is resistant to fire, mildew, insects and rot. Warranties vary widely but most companies strongly back their products for from 20 to 50 years.

Weight. Compared to tile at 750 pounds per square (an area equal to 100 square feet) or concrete tile at 900 pounds per square, metal roofing is lightweight. Most are from 50 to 150 pounds per square. Some types of metal shingle systems may be applied over one or two existing roofs without the need for tear-off or adding structural support. In fact, if you’re building a house or an addition, you can often downsize or reduce the number of roof support members.

Speed and ease of metal roofing installation. Most metal roofing materials come in multi-shingle sections or in sheets. An accomplished contractor can install these quickly. If your roof is stripped off and a storm is on the way, shortening the process by a day or two may prove to be a critical advantage. Note: You can also buy single metal shingles that are relatively easy–but time intensive–to install. (Unlike three-tab asphalt shingles, each piece must be individually placed and nailed.)

Fire resistance. Because metal roofs are noncombustible, they’re given a Class A fire rating (the most resistant). Part of a roof’s classification depends on materials beneath the surface that could ignite in intense heat, so some metal roofs applied over an old combustible roof–such as wood shingles– may be rated lower.

Heat conduction. Metal reflects radiant heat from the sun, minimizing midday heat gain. Though the material itself is low in insulation R-value, many systems utilize a dead-air space between the metal and roof deck to increase energy efficiency.

Minimal roof pitch. Most metal roofing materials can be installed on gently pitched roofs without danger of leaking. Typical minimum roof pitch is 3-in-12 (the roof rises 3 inches for each horizontal foot).

Metal Roofing Drawbacks

Though metal roofing offers many pluses, there are a few drawbacks or concerns worthy of consideration. For the most part, roofing manufacturers have faced these concerns and improved their products to address or solve many of them.

Cost. The biggest drawback is initial cost. Metal roofing is equivalent to other premium materials: from about $150 to $600 per square (100 square feet). The secret is that you get it back if you stay in the house for a long time. Of course, if you plan to move in a couple of years, you probably won’t get the cost returned in value. Figure you can also save on engineering the supporting structure and maintenance.

Noise. For some, the sound of rain tapping on the roof is romantic and homey; for others, it’s like living inside a drum. In a rainstorm or hailstorm, living beneath thin sheets of metal is bound to be noisier than beneath thick slate or tile. Noise can be controlled, however, both by using materials that have structural barriers to minimize the drum effect and by applying them over sound-deadening insulation and solid plywood sheathing.

Denting. Just as your car will dent if a golf ball hits it, a metal roof may dent if large hailstones fall on it. Aluminum and copper, much softer than steel, are more prone to denting. Some are guaranteed not to.

Though you shouldn’t have to walk on a roof that doesn’t leak, there may be occasions when a plumber needs to snake out a vent pipe or a chimney sweep will need access to the chimney flue. You can walk on some metal roofs, but not all–depending on how the particular product is made and the type of construction supporting it. Also, metal is slippery when wet.

Marring. Some painted finishes can peel, chip, fade, scratch or chalk, although nearly all are guaranteed for many years. Walking on some types–particularly those with a granulated-stone surface–may show wear. Installers must be careful not to scratch or dent roofing during installation–panels must be treated with care. Unlike conventional roofing, some metal shingle systems are installed from the top down, eliminating the need to walk on them. Once installed, it may be necessary to hose-off roofing now and then to keep it looking good.

Expansion and contraction. Because metal expands and contracts as it warms and cools, most new products have fastening systems that account for movement; otherwise, fasteners that secure roofing tend to work loose.

Modification. Roofing materials installed in large panels are more difficult to replace if damaged than individual shingles. Also, if you remodel or add-on to your home 10 or 20 years from now, it may be difficult to match the material.

♥Renesmee Cullen:] asked:


Ok my yahoo messenger isn’t working, but on my other account it is, but I dont wanna change it 2 the old 1 (cuz it sucks) so I need a new screen name……..

heres some things about me,

my names sam,
I’m a punk goth metal chick
i like black, pink, purple
i like boots
i like black lipstick
my favorite bands are, Evanescence, paramore, and some songs by Flyleaf
my hobbies dance
I’m pretty unique

Ok plz gimme a list of some…..

thxxxx

Nicholas Tan asked:


Did you know that during the Civil War, more than 1000 different types of bullets were used? This is one reason Civil War bullet collecting has become a popular hobby. Another reason is that the time of the Civil War saw changes taking place in the development of firearms and ammunition. The old round musketballs of the Revolution were being replaced with bullets in the shape we are accustomed to. While musketballs are found on Civil War battlefields, the most common type of bullet used was the .58-caliber bullet with three rings around the base. Many bullets found are splattered out of shape. If you’ve always been fascinated by the Civil War and firearms, Civil War bullet collecting is a hobby you will enjoy.

With the advent of Internet buying and selling, Civil War bullets have become more collectible, and the prices have gone up quickly. Not only this, sometimes sellers are not informed and ask more than the bullet is worth. For these reasons, if you are just starting out in Civil War bullet collecting, you will want to buy a good price guide. You can even find a price guide online if that works better for you.

Many Civil War bullet collectors also collect bullet molds and other relics from the Civil War era. A real enthusiast might even investigate the possibility of becoming a Civil War reenactor, acting out battles with others in towns and fields across the Southeast.

Civil War bullets can be collected by buying from other collectors, or you can begin by going directly to the battlefields to dig and search. A metal detector will make Civil War bullet collecting easier. You may also find buttons from uniforms, bullet molds, belt buckles, and other metal items from the battle. Some of the bullets may be buried quite deep. You will need to wear a headset and pay close attention to the changes in tone in your metal detector. Hunting Civil War relics is prohibited on protected battlefields, but there are still old homesites where battles were fought. Be sure to get permission from the owner and fill any holes you dig.

Some people have the idea that hunting for bullets with a metal detector indicates a lack of respect for the soldiers who died there. They get this idea because sometimes bullet hunters find bones along with the bullet. The fact is, however, that many of the bullet hunters who have found bullets this way have chronicled and mapped out there finds, resulting in many of the facts that we now know about the Civil War.

The Civil War fascinates Americans because of everything it stands for. While everyone agrees that slavery is a terrible blot on the history of the U.S., there are some people who still discuss the issue of states’ rights versus a strong central government. Civil War bullet collecting is an interesting hobby, though somewhat sobering at times when considering the great number of casualties. The memory of brother fighting against brother out in the cornfields and pastures will never go away. Civil War bullet collecting is one way to commemorate this monumental historical event.

Low Jeremy asked:


Metal detectors are interesting pieces of technology. They have a variety of uses and have become even more versatile throughout the years. Ever since the first metal detectors came out in the 19th century, scientists and engineers never stopped working on better and more efficient designs.

Nowadays, there are metal detectors that can pinpoint metals so accurately that they have become indispensable tools in fields like mineralogy, engineering, security and even in the military.

From the crude models of the 19th century, the modern detectors had its debut in the 1930s when Gerhard Fischer released and patented his very own metal detector. Fischer’s design used resonating coils to detect the presence of metal under the ground. These metal detectors proved to be an asset during World War II.

Metal detectors were used during the war to find land mines scattered across the paths of troops. They saved a number of soldiers back then. However, these metal detectors could have been more useful if they were not that heavy. Early designs of metal detectors were not that convenient as compared today. These detectors require a great amount of “juice” to power up which means lugging behind heavy batteries.

The modern detectors basically are made up of coils and uses electromagnetic induction to detect the presence of metal. Aside from the portable metal detectors that we have grown accustomed to and use in hobbies and games like treasure hunting, there are some bigger models that are used mainly in security and related fields.

Other uses for metal detectors include detection of foreign objects in food. These pieces of equipment are of course very useful in the construction industry as well. You could easily detect steel reinforcing bars, pipes and wires that are buried in walls and floors with a detector.

Powerful metal detectors are also used to determine the location of mineral ores for the mining industry. In the field of archaeology, artifacts can be detected even if they are buried deep underneath sand or soil. During rescue missions, sometimes metal detectors also come in handy. In places like airports, security uses walk in metal detectors to determine if people are carrying metallic objects like knives and guns which can cause potential dangers to passengers or commuters.

The standard coil detectors were the trend back then, but recent technologies have brought about new breeds of metal detectors. You can now see the Beat Balance and Coil Coupled Operation metal detectors which were made available to the public just a couple of years ago.

Most machines are operated using microchips. This can be seen when opening the hood of the car and looking at the control box, the remote control of the television and the interior of the microwave oven. These little things can be programmed to do whatever the person wants in a matter of seconds, which is something everyone needs living the digital age.

Metal detectors also operate using the same concept. Though this machine has been around for quite some time, advances through the years has made it much better than it was before allowing the person to use it to even detect the smallest metallic object in any terrain.

The kind of chip commonly used by the metal detector is known as the 7400 series logic. These are the tiny pins located in each card that becomes the controls of the machine. Manufactures have to be test this out so that only those who pass quality control will end up in the display shelves and into the hands of the customer.

The control box is powered by one or two 9 volt alkaline batteries. When it is activated, the person can already adjust the settings and start searching for objects buried underneath. Before using the metal detector, it is always best to study the model and be familiar with how to use it. The individual should let it warm up for 30 minutes and then practice using it.

Lately, there have been some improvements with these devices. A better chip known as the 18 pin IC allows the individual to home in on an object up to more than a few inches away from it.

While its true that treasure hunters don’t pay that much attention to this and are only concerned with how well the detector performs, this is something worth knowing should any problem happen. The person will be able to understand what the technician is talking about to know which part will be replaced.

Those who are familiar with electronics can even make one in the garage by getting some of those chips from a radio shack or the junk yard and use it to assemble a metal detector to be able to search for the same thing.

The metal detectors of the past are nothing compared to what is available now in the market. What used to be bulky is now lightweight and handheld enabling even a child to play with it.

Ralph Serpe asked:


Making wire jewelry is a popular and rewarding hobby for many people. It can however be confusing to beginners who are just starting out. This article will introduce you to the various tools and materials you will need to get your jewelry making hobby started.

SETTING UP YOUR JEWELRY WORKSHOP

Whether you are making your own wire wrap jewelry as a hobby or you are starting your own business making wire jewelry, you will need to have an area that will promote creativity and enable you to concentrate. Spend some time planning and organizing your jewelry making workshop now so that you will be more productive when you get started.

Many of us do not have the luxury of a private workshop where we can escape from the noise and interruptions of our busy homes. This doesn’t mean you should lose hope and give up on your wire jewelry making dreams, it just means you will need to be a bit more creative with your space.

Try to find a place that is as private as possible, away from phones, televisions and other interruptions. Perhaps you can clear a space out in your garage or attic. Maybe you have a corner of a guest room or a spot in your basement.

Next you will want to consider lighting. Lighting is very important in jewelry making. Find a room near a window with lots of natural light if you can, but if you cannot find such a location, you will need to invest in a natural lighting alternative. There are special types of lighting and bulbs available that simulate natural sun light. Just do a search online and you will most certainly find something. Full spectrum bulbs are close to natural sunlight.

You will also need a way to organize and store all of your jewelry making tools and supplies as well as a surface or bench to work on. Professional jewelry benches can be expensive, so if you cannot afford one, visit a used furniture outlet, flea market, or good will outlet and purchase a bench there. Look for a sturdy solid wood desk that is wide and deep enough to give you plenty of space to work on. If it doesn’t have drawers, you can purchase an affordable organizer with drawers at any home improvement store. This can be used to store your supplies.

You will also need a chair. You should take your time when shopping for a chair as you will spend a lot of time sitting at your desk. You will want a chair that is comfortable and has wheels so you can conveniently slide around your workspace.

If you are unable to invest any money right now into buying your furniture, don’t let that stop you. Your kitchen table will work as a descent substitute. Many beginners get started that way.

WIRE JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES

Pliers

There are a wide assortment of pliers and cutters available for wire jewelry artists and each tool has its own purpose. Most professional and experienced wire jewelry artists will normally have a big collection of these tools on hand, but for a beginner it is not necessary. You will only need a few to get started. Pliers are made with various nose shapes and some are made fitted with springs. Springs enable the artist to control tension on the wire. Pliers are also available with nylon jaws that prevent scratching on the wire.

Flat Nose Pliers

These are excellent for holding, flattening and straightening wire. You can also use these pliers to make angular bends.

Round Nose Pliers

Round nose pliers are great for making bends, curves and for forming loops. They are also great for detailed and delicate work.

Flush Wire Cutter

A good flush wire cutter will cut through gold, silver, brass or copper wire and give you a flush even cut.

WIRE

Wire comes in a variety of different sizes, otherwise known as gages. Smaller wire has a higher gage number. For instance a 28 gage wire has a smaller diameter then a 14 gage wire. For your first wire jewelry pieces, it is probably best to begin with a higher gage wire, which will be easier to work with. Once you become more skilled at this, you can then start working with thicker and stronger wires.

Wire also comes in a variety of different shapes: round, square and half round. Round wire is a more popular choice amongst wire jewelry makers, but the other shapes can give your jewelry pieces a unique and interesting look.

Wire also comes in different degrees of hardness. Obviously softer metals are more pliable and easier to bend where as hard metals are stiffer and more difficult to bend and shape. Wire hardness is available from dead soft to extra hard. Dead soft wire is very soft and easy to work with. It is excellent for sculpting , but be careful with this wire. It is very soft and it can be easily damaged if not handled carefully. Hard wire is the most difficult to work with and manipulate, but it does have an advantage over the others as your jewelry pieces will be more durable and last longer.

Wire is also available in a variety of different metals. You have your choice of copper, silver, gold or brass. Copper and brass are cheaper than gold and silver. It may be best to start out with the cheaper materials until you become more experienced.

CREATING YOUR FIRST PIECE OF WIRE JEWELRY

Once you have found a good work area and have your basic supplies, its time to start practicing and creating your first piece of jewelry. In the beginning it will certainly be challenging to come up with your own designs, but thankfully there are many accomplished wire wrap jewelry makers out there to help you along the way. Go online or to your favorite book store and purchase a beginner book on wire jewelry making or invest in a home study course. There are great courses online that come complete with all the tools and instruction you will need to get started. You can even start your own lucrative home based business making wire jewelry.

I hope this introduction to wire jewelry making has helped and has gotten you excited enough to explore this craft in more detail. Happy jewelry making!

Paula James asked:


There are people who prefer silver over gold. And this is because silver is a really fine color of a metal. And anything that is metal works longer and is made to be of quality compared to all other types of materials. Plus, metal products are really fine and elegant to look at especially if you are comparing a metal product to a plastic product.

One fine example of a splendid metal tool is the three color flame that is available over at Gadget Epoint. This metal product is going to be a good companion for you especially if you are smoker or if you just love carrying around with you something that produces a flame or a fire. After all, you would never know just when you would need a fire to warm you up and you just have ran out of matches.

The three color flame is a lighter which has a metal casing. This metal tool allows you to light your cigarette with a flame that comes in three colors, thus its name. You can choose to light that cigarette with a red flame, a green flame, or even a blue flame. Many people would surely be in awe of that three color flame if you have one with you. After all, it is not everyday that a person sees a lighter that has a red, blue, or green flame.

The three color flame comes with a stainless body so much so that you would not have to worry much about this one picking up rust. The barrel allows you to choose just what color you would like your flame to look like. And it has also been made to be wind-proof so much so that you need not sacrifice that stick of cigarette during a really windy day. This is surely one of the metal tools that you must surely have.

Kent Klein asked:


Cupola furnaces are the easiest and most economical furnace to work with for the small foundry owner. Hobby metal casters are always on a look out for a cheaper alternative which will provide safety and yield quality results and the cupola furnace delivers all this.

The common appearance of a cupola furnace is that of a smokestack. The furnace can be of nearly any size which is perfect for backyard metal casters. Commonly, the cupola furnace is supported on four legs with a drop bottom to remove any waste from the furnace. This type of furnace does not use a crucible so the metal caster will place the metal to be melted inside of the furnace. The furnace is fitted with a sprout and runner to pour the molten material which is called a taphole. Sometimes cupolas are fitted with a way for slag to be removed. The slag tapholes are located near the back of the cupola a little higher then the other taphole. The refractory used in cupolas are usually brick with the bottom being clay and sand as this is just temporary anyways.

Cupola casting usually involves working with iron and bronze, though other alloys like aluminum can be melted as well.

The common fuel source for cupolas is coke with limestone acting as a flux. Air can be pumped in to increase the burning of the coke. When the coke is hot enough the alloy is introduced in the top of the cupola. Some will place the alloy then fresh coke and then more alloy. The molten alloy will drip through the coke to collect in the well near the taphole. When the level of the molten alloy is high enough, the taphole is opened and then alloy runs into a ladle. When enough has poured the taphole is closed with the use of a refractory plug. Remember, cupola casting does not involve a crucible.

Crucibles are traditionally used to melt the alloy and the collect it in the molten state. With the use of tongs the crucible is carried to the mold and poured. The ladle takes the place of the crucible in this regard. The metal caster pours the molten alloy which is in the ladle into the mold. The most common metal casting process is Sand casting which lends itself well with cupola furnaces.

Cupola furnaces can either be purchased or constructed. Many hobby metal casters prefer to construct their own cupolas finding it difficult to find a furnace to fit their size requirements or their budget. Cupolas have been made from coffee cans large pipes and really just matters on what materials the caster is able to procure. By making your own furnace you will be able to customize it. Many will need a furnace to be small and portable. No one wants to leave a furnace out in the rain, after all. The chances are pretty good that if you are into metal casting then you have some of the technical knowledge needed to make your own cupola furnace. If not, then it is worth a shot just be extremely careful. You may want to find someone in your community that can aid you in your endeavor.

R. Fredriksen asked:


The body requires a variety of vitamins and minerals to keep balanced, and like everything, too much of anything can be toxic. This includes metals.

Certain metals such as cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, strontium, and zinc - are essential to health in trace amounts. Others are non-essential and can be harmful to health in excessive amounts. These include cadmium, antimony, chromium, mercury, lead, and arsenic - these last three being the most common in cases of heavy metal toxicity.

The wrong heavy metals that can build up in our body can come from our environment,

water supply, hobbies, and other places, thus a full history of the person’s work and living habits can help pinpoint potential heavy metal sources.

What are the signs or symptoms of heavy metal toxicity? Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include mental confusion, pain in muscles and joints, headaches, short-term memory loss, gastrointestinal upsets, food intolerances/allergies, vision problems, chronic fatigue, and others. The symptoms are so vague that it is difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone.

The top three most toxic metals and their symptoms are:

Arsenic

Symptoms include nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, garlic odor on breath, excessive salivation, headache, vertigo, fatigue, paresthesia, paralysis, kidney failure, progressive blindness, and mental impairment. Signs include mottled brown skin, hyperkeratosis (increased pigmentation) of palms and soles, cutis edema, transverse striate Leukonychia, perforation of nasal septum, eyelid edema, coryza, limb paralysis and reduced deep tendon reflexes. Mental symptoms include apathy, dementia, and anorexia.

Lead

Signs and Symptoms include combinations of gastrointestinal complaints, hypertension, fatigue, hemolytic anemia, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, weight loss, peripheral neuropathy, cognitive dysfunction, arthralgias, headache, weakness, convulsions, irritability, impotence, loss of libido, depression, depression of thyroid and adrenal function, chronic renal failure, gout. A patient with lead poisoning may have a combination of symptoms - or no symptoms at all until the condition has progressed. Mental symptoms include restlessness, insomnia, irritability, confusion, excitement, anxiety, delusions, and disturbing dreams.

Mercury

Mercury toxicity has been linked to, among other things, mercury dental fillings, particularly when people have a large number of them. Symptoms include a metallic taste in the mouth, excess salivation, gingivitis, tremors, stomach and kidney troubles. Mental symptoms include shyness, irritability, apathy and depression, psychosis, mental deterioration, and anorexia.

If you think you have metals in your body, there are labs that can test you. The easiest screening process is a Hair Analysis. Additional testing involves the use of chelating drugs along with a 24-hour urine collection to determine levels of heavy metals. From here, treatment is based on the individual and will usually involve the use of metal chelating drugs or intravenous EDTA chelation. For many patients, intravenous Vitamin C and replacement mineral infusions are also recommended to support the body through the metal removal process. Once laboratory tests indicate that the heavy metals are undetectable, treatment is considered complete. Often many - if not all - symptoms previously experienced will have resolved, though some may linger, indicating residual damage to organ systems. Therapies can then be targeted to these systems and any specific problems remaining.

The following is a list of nutrients that also help facilitate the removal of heavy metals.

Mega H-: The negative hydride ions in Mega H- alter the water consumed with the food and supplements in our diet, to have a lower surface tension and an increased conductivity.

Methionine: Methionine levels are a major determinant in the liver’s concentration of sulphur-containing compounds, such as glutathione and cysteine. As methionine is the precursor for the manufacture of cysteine in the body, extra supplementation of this critical amino acid should increase available cysteine.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC): NAC forms L-cysteine, cystine, L-methionine, glutathione (GSH), and mixed di-sulfides. Stimulates the body to produce large amounts of cysteine and glutathione, thus greatly augmenting plasma and red blood cell content of both cysteine and glutathione; Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): MSM, like fresh garlic, provides a bioavailable dietary source of sulfur.

Milk Thistle (silymarin): Silymarin provides support and protection against liver toxins which can cause free-radical-mediated oxidative damage.

Chlorella: Is a food-like all purpose mild chelator of heavy metals; it is a specially processed green-algae type of food that is taken with meals and is quite tolerable and pleasant for many.

Cilantro: stimulates the body’s release of mercury and other heavy metals from the brain and CNS into other tissue. This facilitates the ability to remove heavy metal from the body using other dietary protocols, such as Chorella and other chlorophyll containing herbs such as Nettles and Alfalfa.

Vitamin B6: needed in the metabolic process that converts methionine to cysteine and then into glutathione. B6 is capable of reducing and controlling the swelling and pain associated with the routine tissue and bone trauma resulting from normal dental operative procedures.

Magnesium: Magnesium availablility is essential for the proper functinoing of our immune system as well as hundreds of enzyme systems critical to human health. Organically amino acid-bound ones are more easily absorbed and are less irritating to the gastrointestinal tract as well.

Activated charcoal: taken immediately with chlorella, 15 minutes before drilling/chunking out amalgam, will bind any swallowed mercury and also prevent recirculation in the liver.

Calcium & Vitamin C: Just as lead will displace calcium, calcium is an excellent nutrient to utilize for displacing mercury and lead. Utilizing a combination of minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, is even more effective in clearing metals from the body. Increasing vitamin C intake is a reasonable cost-effective way to control toxic metal levels in the population.

Chlorophyll: chlorophyll binds to heavy metals very well. In fact, it is imperative to choose a reputable source for your chlorophyll, which screens for toxins and heavy metals; or you may be getting more than you want. A good source is juiced raw, organic greens.

Fiber: Fiber, such as oat bran and apple pectin, will bind to metals and help draw them out of the body.

Lipoic Acid: Lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant and has a high affinity for binding to metals. This makes it an excellent choice as a supplement to bind and clear mercury and lead from the system. It is best utilized in combination with conjugating nutrients.

Minerals: A mineral-rich diet acts as a chelating agent. Many minerals will chelate metals, including calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Mercury interferes with some functions of selenium, including its powerful antioxidant function and its ability to bind to metals. A good source of bioavailable minerals is from raw sea vegetables and grass juices from wheat, barley, alfalfa, kamut, etc.

Molybdenum: Large amounts of exogenous sulfur (from outside the body) will usurp the body’s stores of molybdenum to metabolize it. An easier solution is to use the nutrients which will facilitate the homocysteine pathway.

Sulfur: Lead, mercury and cadmium steal sulfur from important proteins, which could be enzymes, hormones, or cell receptors. Conversely, sulfur is needed in the liver detox pathway to hook onto these metals and clear them from the body. So, lead, mercury and cadmium depletes sulfur, the very nutrient needed to detox the metal overload. A depletion of sulfur will also adversely affect joint connective tissue growth, since sulfur is an essential precursor to the building blocks of cartilage, namely glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid.

Zinc: Zinc and copper get displaced from metallothionine, the protein that binds and carries them. This destroys many of the zinc-dependent enzymes. Zinc is important for proper functioning in a host of major metabolic pathways; it is a component of over 90 metalloenzymes in the body.

Jill Renee asked:


While most brides follow the “Four C’s” to determine what type of diamond they want, the type of metal for their engagement ring is usually more of an afterthought. But the metal used in your engagement and wedding ring set holds the diamonds in place and influences the overall appearance of the rings so it should be thought out.

For decades, the solitaire diamond engagement ring with a yellow gold setting was pretty standard for the jewelry industry. And silver, a less-valued metal, was usually reserved for gifts and less sacred occasions. Then white gold and platinum came along, and with palladium recently added to the mix, today’s bride has far more options. But how do you know which metal is right for the ring design you have chosen?

Lifestyle, preference and the overall style of the ring should all be considered when deciding which metal will work best for your ring. Here’s some info on the different types of metals available, and pros and cons of each.

Silver

Silver jewelry, including engagement rings, is usually manufactured in one of two ways: sterling sliver or silver plated. Because it is much too soft in its pure form, fine silver (99.9 percent or better) is usually only sold on the commodities market.

Sterling silver is 92.5 percent pure silver mixed with 7.5 percent other metals, usually copper. Other metals used in place of copper include germanium, zinc, platinum and additives such as silicon and boron. Silver plated jewelry is usually bonded to another metal, such as copper or nickel.

Pros

Sterling silver is usually the least expensive of the precious metals, and compliments the brilliance of any ring setting.

Cons

This metal’s soft texture, even when combined with other metals, means it is likely to show wear over time. In addition, silver plated jewelry is often combined with nickel, a metal linked to skin allergies in people with sensitive skin. And silver plating can wear off over time exposing the other metal underneath.

Gold

For years, yellow gold was the most sought-after metal for engagement rings and wedding bands. The most malleable of all metals, gold is often combined with copper or silver to make it less resistant to scratching and denting.

While 24k gold is pure gold, most engagement ring settings are sold in 18k, 14k or 10k; the lower the carat, the higher the percentage of other metals.

White gold is an alloy of gold and another white metal, such as silver, palladium or nickel, and usually has an outer layer of rhodium to give the piece a nice luster. Gold plating, a thin layer of gold over a piece of silver jewelry, is the least expensive alternative in the gold family.

Pros

Gold provides a warm background for a more traditional solitaire setting and it accentuates the beauty of most diamond stone settings. It’s traditional and more affordable than the higher-end metals, and works well with darker gem stones such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires.

Cons

The soft texture of gold makes it susceptible to scratching and denting. White gold typically contains nickel and creates a dilemma for the 12.5 percent of the population that is allergic to nickel. In addition, the rhodium coating may need to be replaced during the lifetime of the ring. And while gold plating is a less expensive option, it is rarely used because the plating usually tarnishes in a short period of time.

Palladium

A newcomer to the jewelry industry, palladium is a metal that offers the buyer the best of both worlds. As a member of the platinum family, the brilliance and durability of palladium outshines other white metals. This metal’s cheaper price is a perfect match for the budget-conscious.

Pros

Palladium (http://www.danforthdiamond.com/palladium/index.html) is the best bargain white metal. It’s hypoallergenic nature makes it an attractive alternative for brides who may have had to pass on white gold in the past because of a nickel allergy. In addition, palladium is cheaper than platinum and can be combined with gold to make a hypoallergenic white gold engagement ring setting.

Cons

Because palladium is the hot new trend in the jewelry industry, its popularity continues to grow and there have been few, if any criticisms of it. Except, of course, that it’s not platinum, the Grand-Daddy of all metals.

Platinum

The frame of the crown for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, worn during her and George the VI’s coronation in 1937, was made of platinum. Hundreds of years earlier, Louis the XV of France declared platinum to be the only metal fit for a king. What else is there to say?

Pros

Platinum is a very strong, durable metal that is very resistant to wear and tarnish. As a white metal, its integrity is unmatched, and when combined with the brilliance of a diamond, creates an exquisite display as an engagement ring. Platinum prongs are often used to hold diamonds in a setting but platinum prongs can be used on shanks made of other metals.

Cons

Platinum is the most expensive of the precious metals.

Deciding which metal works best for your engagement ring is a big decision. Choose your precious metal wisely (http://www.danforthdiamond.com/education/metal/index.htm), because this is the one piece of jewelry you will want to show off for a lifetime.