Reduce Heavy Metal Exposure: Practical Everyday Moves

Published 9/21/2025 · Updated 9/21/2025

You don’t need to overhaul your life to meaningfully reduce heavy-metal exposure. Focus on water, dust, and sensible kitchen habits.

Water: the big, easy win

• Use an NSF-certified filter (pitcher or under-sink). Check labels for lead/mercury and (if you care) fluoride claims.
• Change cartridges on time. Old filters stop working well.

Dust: often overlooked

• Vacuum with True HEPA weekly, especially entryways and windowsills.
• Damp mop hard floors (dust sticks to the cloth).
• Shoes off at the door; a good doormat catches soil.

Food choices that help

• Fish rotation: favour smaller fish more often; keep big predator fish occasional.
• Rinse produce well (see our washing guide).
• Use glass or stainless for hot/acidic foods; avoid old, chipped glazed ware for daily use.

Home projects

• In older homes, avoid dry-sanding old paint; use a professional if lead paint is suspected.
• Keep kids away from renovation zones; clean up with HEPA + damp wipe.

Our picks

• An NSF-certified water filter, a True HEPA vacuum, and glass/steel food storage cover most of the benefit with minimal effort.

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