Fw: PLATINUM GROUP ELEMENTS (PGE) - WEALTH AND YOUR HEALTH

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Subject: PLATINUM GROUP ELEMENTS (PGE) - WEALTH AND YOUR HEALTH

> PLATINUM GROUP ELEMENTS (PGE) - WEALTH AND YOUR HEALTH

>

> A synopsis to stimulate interest in the PGE, particularly osmium and its

> related health hazards, to promote research and alleviate the suffering

> of those affected by osmium.

>

> by

>

> Welk

>

> November 20, 1999

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------

>

> PART 1

>

> ABSTRACT: THE PRECIOUS METALS OF THE PLATINUM GROUP HAVE MANY HIGHLY

> DESIRABLE TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS, WHICH ARE IN GREAT DEMAND. THEY

> HAVE MANY INDUSTRIAL AND MEDICAL APPLICATIONS. HOWEVER, THEY ALSO POSE

> SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS. PARTICULARLY, THE OXIDES OF OSMIUM CAN HAVE

> EXTREMELY DESTRUCTIVE AND DEVASTAITNG EFFECTS ON THE HUMAN ANATOMY. THE

> TOXICITY OF OSMIUM IS PUBLICLY RECOGNIZED, AS DOCUMENTED BELOW.

> BACKGROUND OF PGE:

>

> There are six Platinum Group Elements: iridium (Ir), osmium (Os),

> palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru), and rhodium (Rh). Together with iron,

> nickel and cobalt they make up Group VIII in the Periodic Table of

> Elements. The PGE were discovered late in time. Their economical

> potential was beginning to be appreciated only in the late 20th century

> - the age of hi-tech. Previously they were derogatorily referred to as

> white gold. Now their monetary value exceeds the price of gold.

>

> CHARACTERISTICS AND USE OF PGE:

>

> The appearance the PGE is similar to silver, hence the name " Platina "

> (Spanish: silver). The PGE are noble metals. The PGE generally do not

> oxidize in air. They are highly resistant to corrosion and heat,

> especially if they are alloyed with each other. Ruthenium, rhodium and

> palladium have a specific gravity (density) similar to silver; osmium,

> iridium and platinum similar to gold. Osmium has they highest density

> (22.6) of any matter known to man. They have multiple applications in

> aeronautics, space technology, telecommunication and electrical

> industries, every day common applications in the tip of ball-point pens,

> light bulb filaments, reflectors, medical and dental equipment and

> tools. The PGE serve as highly efficient catalysts in inorganic and

> organic chemical applications.

> (See:http://www.in-search-of.com/frames/periodic/elements/)

>

> Some PGE form sulfates under certain conditions, but are not soluble by

> nitric acid or any other acid. Their oxides are generally insoluble even

> in aqua regia. Most PGE readily react chemically with nascent chlorine.

> The PGE , when fully oxidized by chlorides and in solution of

> hydrochloric acid, form PGE chloride acids (e.g., platinic acid, also

> called hexachloroplatinate), which have respective salts (e.g., sodium

> hexachloroplatinate). These salts are often extremely hygroscopic and

> water-soluble . Hexachloroplatinate (platinic acid) and many PGE

> chlorides pose health hazards. " ... platinum salts have been known to

> cause intoxication, wheezing, coughing, irritation of the nose,

> tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and cyanosis. "

> (http://www.colutron.com/products/chargeprep.html)

>

> The most toxic, however, are the highly volatile osmium and ruthenium

> oxides.

>

> BACKGROUND OF OSMIUM:

>

> " In 1803, osmium and its companion metal iridium were discovered when a

> black, metallic substance always appeared when crude platinum was

> treated with aqua regia. Most people suspected it to be graphite. But

> when the black residue was examined, it was concluded that it must be a

> new element instead of an allotropic form of carbon. Upon closer

> analyses, it was determined that there were two new elements in the

> black residue. One of them was named iridium because of its array of

> compounds. The other was named osmium because of its nasty smell. "

> (Copied from: http://nobel.scas.bcit.bc.ca/%20resource/ptable/os.htm

> " Osmium metal is lustrous, bluish white, extremely hard, and brittle

> even at high temperatures. It has the highest melting point and lowest

> vapour pressure of the platinum group. The metal is very difficult to

> fabricate, but the powder can be sintered in a hydrogen atmosphere at a

> temperature of 2000°C. The solid metal is not affected by air at room

> temperature, but the powdered or spongy metal slowly gives off osmium

> tetroxide, which is a powerful oxidising agent and has a strong smell.

> The tetroxide is highly toxic, and boils at 130°C (760 mm).

> Concentrations in air as low as 10-7 g m-3 can cause lung congestion,

> skin damage, or eye damage. " (Copied from:

> http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/key/Os.html)

>

> (See also:

> http://www.in-search-of.com/frames/periodic/elements/78.shtml)

>

> CHARACTERISTICS OF OSMIUM OXIDES

>

> All PGE form oxides at red heat, approximately 1,000 Celsius. When thus

> heated the PGE " loose weight " for the oxides are volatile and dissipate.

> When heated to higher temperatures the oxides decompose. Of all the PGE,

> osmium oxidizes most readily. It forms the black osmium monoxide OsO,

> the brown di-oxide OsO2, the black di-oxide OsO2, the dark brown

> sesqui-oxide Os2O3. When fully oxidized as osmium tetroxide OsO4, osmium

> forms one of the most deadly radicals know to man. Osmium tetroxide also

> called osmic acid is just about the strongest oxidizer known.

>

> CHARACTERISTICS OF OSMIUM TETROXIDE Copied from:

> http://www.qrc.com/hhmi/science/labsafe/lcsstxt/lcsstx64.htm

>

> " Osmium tetroxide (Osmic acid, perosmic oxide, osmium(IV) oxide) CAS

> 20816-12-0

> Formula

>

> OsO

>

> Physical Properties

>

> Colorless to pale yellow-green crystals bp 130 °C (but sublimes at lower

> temperature), mp 40 °C Moderately soluble in water (7 g/100 mL)

>

> Odor

>

> Acrid, chlorine-like odor detectable at 2 ppm (20 mg/m)

>

> Vapor Density

>

> 8.8 (air = 1.0)

>

> Vapor Pressure

>

> 7 mmHg at 20 °C

>

> Toxicity Data

>

> LD oral (rat) 14 mg/kg

>

> LC inhal (rat) 40 ppm (4 h)

>

> PEL (OSHA) 0.0002 ppm (0.002 mg/m)

>

> TLV-TWA (ACGIH) 0.0002 ppm (0.002 mg/m)

>

> STEL (ACGIH) 0.0006 ppm (0.006 mg/m)

>

> Major Hazards

>

> High acute toxicity; severe irritant of the eyes and respiratory tract;

> vapor can cause serious eye damage.

>

> Toxicity

>

> The acute toxicity of osmium tetroxide is high, and it is a severe

> irritant of the eyes and respiratory tract. Exposure to osmium tetroxide

> vapor can damage the cornea of the eye. Irritation is generally the

> initial symptom of exposure to low concentrations of osmium tetroxide

> vapor, and lacrimation, a gritty feeling in the eyes, and the appearance

> of rings around lights may also be noted. In most cases, recovery occurs

> in a few days. Concentrations of vapor that do not cause immediate

> irritation can have an insidious cumulative effect; symptoms may not be

> noted until several hours after exposure. Contact of the eyes with

> concentrated solutions of this substance can cause severe damage and

> possible blindness. Inhalation can cause headache, coughing, dizziness,

> lung damage, and difficult breathing and may be fatal. Contact of the

> vapor with skin can cause dermatitis, and direct contact with the solid

> can lead to severe irritation and burns. Exposure to osmium tetroxide

> via inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion can lead to systemic toxic

> effects involving liver and kidney damage. Osmium tetroxide is regarded

> as a substance with poor warning properties.

>

> Chronic exposure to osmium tetroxide can result in an accumulation of

> osmium compounds in the liver and kidney and damage to these organs.

> Osmium tetroxide has been reported to cause reproductive toxicity in

> animals; this substance has not been shown to be carcinogenic or to show

> reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans. "

>

> Additional information, copied from:

> http://mail.odsnet.com/TRIFacts/125.html

>

> " Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects

> may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Osmium Tetroxide:

> * Contact can cause burns and a green to black stain on the skin.

> Lighter exposures cause rash.

>

> * Eye contact can cause burns with damage to vision.

>

> * The vapor irritates the nose, throat and lungs, causing hoarseness,

> nose bleeds, cough, tightness in the chest, and sore throat. If exposure

> persists or exposure is to higher levels, a dangerous buildup of fluid

> can occur in the lungs, a medical emergency.

>

> * The vapor irritate the eyes, causing redness and swelling of the eye

> tissue. Vision changes include seeing halos or colored rings around

> lights, blurred vision, scratchy, painful eyes.

>

> * Other symptoms of exposure can include headache and stomach upset.

> Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects

> can occur at some time after exposure to Osmium Tetroxide and can last

> for months or years. "

>

> ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION copied from:

> http://mail.odsnet.com/TRIFacts/125.html

>

> " Osmium tetroxide is a pale yellow crystalline solid [when produced in

> laboratory with 99.9 % purity - when reduced or with impurities from

> naturally occurring source, the dominant color is black] with a

> poisonous vapor which may cause serious damage to the eyes, lungs, and

> skin. It is used as an oxidizing agent, particularly for converting

> olefins to glycols, and as a catalyst in chlorate, peroxide, periodate

> and other oxidations. It may enter the environment from industrial

> discharges or spills.

> ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include

> the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in

> plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants

> come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Insufficient data are

> available to evaluate or predict the acute, short-term effects of osmium

> tetroxide to aquatic life or plants. Birds or land animals exposed to

> osmium tetroxide vapors may suffer severe damage to eyes, lungs, and

> skin.

>

> CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include

> shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes

> in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first

> exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Insufficient data are available to

> evaluate or predict the chronic, long-term effects of osmium tetroxide

> to aquatic life, plants, birds, or land animals.

>

> WATER SOLUBILITY Osmium tetroxide is highly soluble in water.

> Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of

> water.

>

> DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Osmium tetroxide is

> quite soluble in water. It is an oxidizing agent and is readily reduced

> by organic matter. Consequently, it is not likely to be highly

> persistent as Osmium tetroxide. Some of the Osmium compounds formed may

> be persistent.

>

> USES OF OSMIUM TETROXIDE:

>

> The great affinity of osmium tetroxide for fatty substance (lipids)

> served effectively in the detection of finger prints. Osmium tetroxide

> oxidized the fatty residue of the finger prints, making it appear black.

> OsO4 was also used as a tatooing agent to blacken the fatty substance

> under the skin. Since the highly toxic nature of OsO4 was discovered,

> OsO4 is no longer used for on life organisms. It is used on dead tissue

> as a fixation agent.

>

> Osmium tetroxide or " osmic acid " was one of the first fixatives used in

> electron microscopy. It is a non-polar tetrahedral molecule that has the

> following structure:

>

> [OsO4]

>

> Each of these linked oxygens is a potential reaction site. Osmium

> tetroxide can be dissolved in water, acetone, carbon tetrachloride and

> other solvents. It can be used as a liquid fixative or one can fix

> specimens upon exposure to osmium vapors. It has a relatively slow rate

> of penetration and for this reason is usually used as a secondary post

> fixative rather than as a primary fixative. In addition to acting as an

> excellent fixative the electron dense osmium atoms also serve as an

> electron stain thus imparting contrast to the specimen. Osmium tetroxide

> reacts poorly with proteins and carbohydrates and is most useful in its

> ability to fix lipids. Of these unsaturated fatty acids are more

> reactive than saturated fatty acids. It is thought that osmium tetroxide

> specifically reacts with olefinic double bonds. For this reason post

> osmium fixing is essential if one is to preserve membranes and lipid

> containing bodies. Osmium tetroxide is also useful for the stabilization

> of certain proteins and can serve to cross-link some proteins and

> unsaturated lipids. It has also been shown to react with the ribose

> group of nucleic acids and can to a certain extent be used to fix DNA.

> Osmium can also react with nucleoproteins associated with the DNA and

> help to stain the nucleoli.

>

> If used alone osmium tetroxide can induce some gross swelling of the

> tissue. This effect is somewhat minimized by tissue shrinkage caused by

> subsequent dehydration and infiltration. The swelling effect can be

> minimized by the addition of electrolyte or non-electrolyte additives.

> Osmium is typically used at a concentration of 1-2% in buffer. It should

> be avoided when cytochemical studies are to be performed as it almost

> totally destroys antigenicity of reactive sites. Like other fixatives

> osmium tetroxide is highly toxic and should be handled with gloves in a

> fume hood. It is very volatile and it will be fixing your tissues by the

> time you detect it by smell. Fixative waste should be disposed of

> properly and never put down the sink. Although osmium tetroxide is

> typically used as a secondary fixative it is often used in conjunction

> with glutaraldehyde in what is sometimes referred to as a glut/osmium

> cocktail. This mixture is particularly useful for fixing single cells.

> Because aldehydes can reduce osmium it is recommended that the fixation

> be carried out at 4 degree C for 30 min or less. The mixture should be

> made immediately prior to use. A similar chemical ruthenium tetroxide is

> sometimes used as a less expensive alternative to osmium tetroxide. "

> (Copied from: http://www.uga.edu/caur/temnote1.htm)

>

> EXAMPLES OF NERVOUS TISSUE STAINED BY OSMIC ACID:

>

>

http://www.geocities.com/pxl/www.udel.edu./Biology/Wags/histopage/colorpage/

cne/cne.htm

>

> http://www.dml.georgetown.edu/educ/hist/lab6/21.htm Osmic acid used in

> this preparation has both fixed and blackened the myelin.

>

> PLATINUM GROUP ELEMENTS (PGE) - WEALTH AND YOUR HEALTH

>

> A synopsis to stimulate interest in the PGE, particularly osmium and its

> related health hazards, to promote research and alleviate the suffering

> of those affected by osmium.

>

> PART 2

>

> ABSTRACT: THE PLATINUM GROUP ELEMENTS ARE RELATIVELY RARE. HOWEVER,

> THEIR OCCURRENCE IS GREATER THAN THAT OF GOLD. THEY ARE DEPOSITED AS

> METALLICS, SULFIDES AND OXIDES IN MAGMATIC AND VOLCANIC ROCK. THE MINING

> INDUSTRY PUBLICLY ASSESSES THE VALUE OF MINING PROPERTIES ONLY ON THE

> BASIS OF METALLIC AND SULFIDE COMPONENTS. HOWEVER, THE BULK OF PGE

> DEPOSITS ARE IN THE FORM OF OXIDES, AS IT IS DOCUMENTED BY THE

> PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGISTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BRANCH,

> OF THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. THIS INFORMATION WAS GATHERED IN

> THE 1920'S AND 30'S, WAS COMPILED AND RE-PUBLISHED IN 1987. THE PGE

> OXIDES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA ARE PRESENT IN SUCH PHENOMENALLY HIGH

> QUANTITIES THAT THEY POSE A HEALTH HAZARD.

> GEOLOGICAL ORIGINS AND DEPOSITS OF PGE

>

> Platinum is the most abundant of all PGE. It is invariably accompanied

> by all the other PGE, particularly palladium and minute crystals of the

> metallic alloy of iridium and osmium - osmiridium. By weight the average

> abundance in the earth's crustal rock of gold is .3 parts per billion

> (ppb), platinum is 4 ppb, palladium 1 ppb, rhodium .1 ppb, ruthenium .2

> ppb, iridium .05 ppb, and osmium is .2 ppb. There is 12 times as much

> platinum and three times as much palladium in the earth's crust than

> there is gold - a fact, which is not reflected in the mining industry.

> If osmium is present in highly significant numbers, platinum and

> palladium may be expected in even far greater numbers. All PGE are

> deposited in the same manner. If one is present all the others are

> present also.

>

> The PGE are deposited in the earth's crust by magmatic and volcanic

> flows coming from deep within the earth's mantle. Concentrations of PGE

> in South Africa were deposited by magmatic differentiation, that is,

> magmatic sediment of precipitates of the heavy elements or compounds,

> which have a melting point higher than the remaining fluid magma, settle

> as a magmatic sediment of precipitants on an impermeable layer, or the

> base of a magma chamber. The magmatic sediments which normally accompany

> the PGE are nickel and chromium compounds.

>

> The Canadian Shield, from the Yukon through the Northwest Territories,

> Ontario, Michigan, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces, is an immense

> magmatic deposit, rich in minerals, including the PGE. The Canadian

> shield extends beyond the Great Lakes and into the Northern United

> States. It is the host of the copper and iron ores of Michigan. The

> mineral resources of the Canadian Shield are the main source of the

> world PGE production.

>

> " Osmium is usually found in the company of natural platinum. It is also

> found in large quantities in the nickel ores in Sudbury, Ontario.

> Therefore, osmium is recovered as a byproduct of the mining and refining

> of platinum and nickel. " (copied from:

> http://nobel.scas.bcit.bc.ca/resource/ptable/os.html).

> The western cordillera of North America was formed by the on-going

> continental plate subduction, bringing to the surface volcanic flows

> which are fed by magmatics from the mantle. There are thirteen active

> volcanos in the Cascade Mountains (i.e., Northern California, Oregon and

> Washington). Such volcanic flows can have extra-ordinary rich

> concentrations of PGE. For example, a 1983 eruption of Kilauea (Hawaii)

> eruption had an iridium content 17,000 times greater than the value of

> iridium in the regular Hawaiin basalt.

>

> Osmiridium existed as a solid metallic alloy crystals in many volcanic

> flows of British Columbia. They are documented to be present in the

> Dease Lake, Quesnel and other areas. When the volcanic flows cooled and

> were still at red heat - the small PGE crystals formed oxides, as all

> PGE elements do. Particularly the osmium and ruthenium were converted

> from their metallic state into oxides. Larger crystals were oxidized

> only partially. Very small crystals were completely oxidized inside the

> magmatic and volcanic flows. The predominant color of these PGE oxides

> is black, brown or red. They are microscopic powders mixed into the

> matrix of rock. When later exposed by erosion, the toxic killers fumes,

> osmium tetroxide and ruthenium tetroxide, are released into the

> atmosphere, and are breathed in by unsuspecting victims.

>

> Furthermore, water soluble osmium tetroxide (osmic acid) is readily

> dissolved by surface water. Creeks and rivers carry it downstream and

> re-deposit the osmium oxides on flood planes and deltas, such as the

> Lower Fraser Valley, where it enters the water supply of communities,

> because the Province of British Columbia does not require testing for

> PGE in well water. Particularly, on warm windy days the osmium tetroxide

> vaporizes into the air like water, and is again precipitated like the

> due of water in low lying areas. Occasionally, localized air pockets

> have such high concentrations of Osmium oxides that can be detected by

> the sense of smell and other symptomatic health complications.

>

> British Columbia is on record not only for its gold production, but also

> for its platinum production. Barkerville, B.C., on Creeks had

> the world's highest placer gold concentrations. Likewise, the ghost

> town, Granite City, B.C., on Granite Creek, a tributary of the Toulameen

> River, has the reputation of the world's highest concentration of placer

> platinum. In fact one platinum mineral is named accordingly -

> Toulameenite. The Geological Survey Branch, Ministry of Energy, Mines

> and Petroleum Resources of the Province of British Columbia, confirms

> the above. Open File 1986-7, PLATINUM GROUP ELEMENT OCCURRENCES IN

> BRITISH COLUMBIA, reports the following figures: (Note: one troy ounce

> equals approximately 37.8 grams.

>

> SELECTED QUOTATIONS FROM PUBLICLY IDENTIFIED PGE (OSMIUM) OCCURRENCES IN

> BRITISH COLUMBIA:

>

> Fraser River Watershed:

>

> " Sample of black sand taken from Fraser River at mouth of Quesnel River

> [author's mineral claim] contain Pt 71%, Os 3.1%. "

>

> " Cobledick Dredge - the Van Winkle bar near Lytton, platinum and iridium

> occur in black sands - 5,681.1 g/t. " [150 oz/ton]

>

> " Twenty Mile Creek - Platinum, palladium and osmiridium are found in

> minute metallic grains and enclosed in small fragments and nuggets of

> magnetite and chromite. Analysis of sample of a pan of concentrates

> taken from the sluices after cleanup. Pt 2,194.3 g/t [58 oz/ton], Pd

> 2,208.0 g/t [58.4 oz/ton], Os 1,440.0 g/t [38 oz/ton]. "

>

> " Black sands near Yale - average of 6 samples of 5 assay tons each 13.7

> g/t [.36 oz/ton]. "

>

> Similkameen River Watershed:

>

> " Combined black sand and gravel from two pans of medium-sized gravel

> from Toulameen River at mouth of Bear Creek- 1,733.5 g/t [45.8 oz/ton]. "

>

> " Combined black sand from two pans of sandstone bedrock on Toulameen

> River, 2 miles above Princeton on south bank of river 200.9 g/t [5.3

> oz/ton]. "

>

> CONCLUSION:

>

> PGE are documented to occur in British Columbia in extra ordinary high

> quantities. They occur primarily as oxides (black sands). Especially the

> volatile, highly toxic water soluble oxides of osmium and ruthenium have

> been transported by major rivers (e.g., Fraser River) and are

> re-deposited in flood planes and deltas, posing an extra-ordinary health

> threats to the public, of which the public is completely uniformed.

>

>

> PLATINUM GROUP ELEMENTS (PGE) - WEALTH AND YOUR HEALTH

>

> A synopsis to stimulate interest in the PGE, particularly osmium and its

> related health hazards, to promote research and alleviate the suffering

> of those affected by osmium.

>

> PART 3

>

> ABSTRACT: ALL ELEMENTS, LISTED IN THE PERIODIC TABLE OF ELEMENTS,

> CHEMICALLY INTER-REACT WITH EACH OTHER IN A PREDICTABLE MANNER. THIS

> INTERACTION IS BASED ON THE ELECTRONEGATIVE CHARGE OF EACH ELEMENT. THE

> ELECTRONEGATIVE CHARGE MAY BE COMPARED TO MAGNETIC FORCES, WHICH ATTRACT

> OR REPEL EACH OTHER. THIS CAN BE VISUALLY DISPLAYED WHEN A STRONG MAGNET

> REPLACES A WEAK MAGNET, OR PAINFULLY BE EXPERIENCED WHEN A METAL SPOON

> IS PLACED NEAR THE FILLING OF A TOOTH.

>

> BASED ON THEIR ELECTRONEGATIVE CHARGE, METALS LIKE COPPER, LEAD, ZINC,

> GOLD, PLATINUM, OSMIUM AND OTHERS, INTER-REACT WITH ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

> AND MOLECULES OF THE HUMAN BODY. FOR EXAMPLE WHEN LEAD REPLACES IRON IN

> THE BLOOD; IT DESTROYS THE BLOOD; THE BLOOD STILL LOOKS LIKE BLOOD, BUT

> IT NO LONGER PERFORMS THE FUNCTION OF BLOOD.

>

> OXYGEN IS A MAJOR BUILDING BLOCK OF ALL ORGANIC LIFE. THE HIGHLY

> VOLATILE METAL, OSMIUM, POSES A UNIQUE THREAT TO ORGANIC (HUMAN) LIFE

> BECAUSE IT READILY COMBINES WITH OXYGEN TO FORM OSMIUM OXIDES (OSMIUM

> TETROXIDE). THE EXTREMELY TOXIC OSMIUM TETROXIDE GAS IS RELEASED FROM

> NATURAL SOURCES AND ENTERS THE HUMAN BODY IN MANY AND VARIOUS WAYS.

>

> IN THE HUMAN BODY THE OSMIUM OXIDES INTERFERE WITH WHATEVER ORGANISM

> THEY TOUCH. THE LIVER AND THE KIDNEYS ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO

> OSMIUM BECAUSE THEY ARE DESIGNED TO TRAP AND ELIMINATE TOXINS. A

> PARTICULAR CONCERN IS THE ABILITY OF OSMIUM TO AFFECT AND COMBINE WITH

> THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF BLOOD - HEMOGLOBIN. BEING ATTACHED TO

> HEMOGLOBIN, THE HIGHLY ELECTRONEGATIVELY CHARGED OSMIUM ENTERS INTO THE

> ELCTROCHEMICAL PROCESS OF NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEMS, AND CAUSES COUNTLESS

> MEDICAL AND MENTAL ILLNESSES.

>

> A. -- PATHOLOGY OF METALS IN GENERAL

>

> " Metals exert their toxicity on cells by interfering with cell

> metabolism in any of several ways. The most important of these are their

> effects on enzyme systems. The more strongly electronegative metals

> (such as copper, mercury and silver) bind with amino, immino,

> carboxylate, and sulfhydry groups of enzymes, thus blocking enzyme

> activity [see Note 1.]. Another mechanism of action of some heavy metals

> (gold, cadmium, copper, mercury, lead) is to combine with the cell

> membranes, altering membrane permeability [see Note 2.]. Others displace

> elements that are important structurally or electrochemically to cells

> which then can no longer perform their biologic functions. ... If for

> example, a metal combines with an enzyme involved in the energy

> transformation process within the cell, the resulting metal-enzymes

> complex may change the catalytic functional characteristics of the

> enzyme and block the process [see Note 3.]. " (Copied from McGraw Hill

> Encyclopedia of Science & Technology, Vol. 11, page 61)

>

> " Lead exerts its toxic effects primarily on the hematopoietic, renal and

> neurological systems. ... The earliest symptoms [of the effects of lead

> on the central nervous system] include insomnia, which may be followed

> by lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Continuing exposure

> may lead to complaints associated with central nervous system

> disturbance and, in severe cases, may develop into toxic psychosis, with

> hallucinations, delusions, and excitement which may result in delirium

> and death [see Note 4.]. " (Copied from McGraw Hill Encyclopedia of

> Science & Technology, Vol. 9, page 636)

>

> " Hemoglobin combines reversibly with carbon monoxide about 210 times

> more strongly than with oxygen. This strong affinity for carbon monoxide

> accounts for the poisoning effects of this gas. The iron of each heme is

> normally in the ferrous state. It can be oxidized to the ferri state, in

> which case the hemoglobin, called ferrihemoglobin or met-hemoglobin,

> will no longer combine with either oxygen or carbon monoxide [see Note

> 5.]. " (Copied from McGraw Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology,

> Vol. 8, page 406)

>

> B. -- PATHOLOGY OF METALS, APPLIED TO OSMIUM POISONING

>

> Note 1. The electronegativity of osmium is even stronger than that of

> copper, mercury and silver. Therefore, osmium is more likely to bind

> with enzymes and cause the blocking of enzyme activity than copper,

> mercury and silver.

>

> Note 2. Heavy metals alter membrane permeability which directly affects

> neurotransmitters. The function of neurotransmitters is directly linked

> with schizophrenia, and other neurological malfunctions. Schizophrenia

> may not be schizophrenia at all but osmium poisoning.

>

> Note 3. Osmium may not only block the enzyme activity. Being a catalyst,

> it may alter the enzyme activity to perform undesirable functions.

>

> Note 4. The elctronegativity of osmium and lead are approximately the

> same. Osmium, as discussed more fully below, like lead, exerts toxic

> effects on the hematopoietic, renal and neurological systems. The

> neurological malfunctions, associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) may

> be symptomatic of progressive accumulation of toxic osmic acid and its

> respective salts and compounds. It is a proven fact that MS is directly

> linked with geology.

>

> Note 5. Osmium tetroxide is the strongest oxidizing agent known to man.

> If anything can oxidize a heme from its ferrous state to the undesirable

> ferric state, osmium tetroxide can do it. Since osmium and iron are both

> members of the Group VIII in the Periodic Table of Elements, and thus

> share similar functions, therefore, it may be expected that osmium may

> replace the iron in hemoglobin and travel by way of the hemoglobin into

> every part and organ of the human body - a horrifying possibility.

>

> C. -- POINTS OF ENTRY INTO THE HUMAN BODY AND POSSIBLE CONSEQUENTIAL

> REACTIONS OF OSMIUM:

>

> Osmium tetroxide is an extremely strong oxidizing agent, which readily

> reacts with living organisms. Upon contact, the osmium may be reduced to

> a lower oxidation state; or it may link up with hydrogen to form osmic

> acid, which in turn may form a variety of osmic salts, as ruthenium also

> does (E.g., sodium perruthenate, NaRuO4.H2O). All platinic {generic

> sense) acids form some highly water soluble, salts, when combined with

> NH4-, Na, K, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, NI and Zn. PGE salts are part of numerous

> and complex inorganic and organic compounds.

>

> The affinity of osmium to fatty substances offers the opportunity for a

> simple test. Osmium tetroxide exposure blackens vegetable oils,

> specifically corn oil. Be on guard if bark mulch in your yard turns

> black. Watch for black stinky deposits in irrigation ditches. However,

> osmium tetroxide must be present in sufficient quantities that it may be

> visually recognized.

>

> 1. If osmium tetroxide vapor is inhaled, and is lodged in the nose, the

> body will try to eliminate it by excreting fluids - so-called allergic

> reactions. If corn oil is applied at the entrance of the nostrils, when

> in areas where osmium tetroxide gas may be present, there will be (1)

> the stinging sensation of osmic acid, and (2) a build up of water.

>

> 2. If osmium gets past the nose, and is lodged in the respiratory tract

> it will cause bronchial related symptoms.

>

> 3. If it gets into the lungs, fluids may build up in the lungs and cause

> complications, which may be misinterpreted as pneumonia, when in fact it

> is a form of platinum poisoning.

>

> 4. If it gets through the lungs into the blood supply it may combine

> with fatty substances like blood cholesterol. Osmium tetroxide has a

> great affinity to lipids. Lucky may be the individual who has enough

> blood cholesterol which readily traps the osmium, reduces it, and tries

> to eliminate the osmium contaminated blood cholesterol.

>

> 5. In the blood supply, like lead, the PGE oxidize hemoglobin from the

> normal ferrous state into the abnormal ferric state, and thus totally

> destroy the primary function of the hemoglobin, its ability to transport

> oxygen and/or carbon di-oxide. The symptoms may be similar to those of

> iron deficiency, even though the blood count may be high.

>

> 6. In the blood supply, osmium may directly and chemically combine with

> the hemoglobin molecule by replacing one of the iron atoms. Once in the

> hemoglobin it may be transported to every part and cell of the human

> body, including the neurological system. In the neurological system,

> which is very similar to fatty substances, osmium may have disastrous

> effects.

>

> 7. The life span of hemoglobin is a maximum of 120 days. At the end of

> 120 days, the hemoglobin (including the osmium) is chemically re-worked

> by the liver. Some of the osmium, like other toxins, is eliminated by

> the liver by way of the gall bladder. Some of the osmium never leaves

> the liver. It is a proven fact that osmium accumulates in the liver. If

> there is an accumulation of osmium, it will eventually destroy the liver

> and its human host. The fact that osmium, accumulates in the liver,

> strongly suggests that scenario 6 and 7 are true.

>

> 8. If the osmium gets past the liver, it will enter the gall bladder.

> Who knows what will happen in the bile of the gall bladder.

>

> 9. If the osmium gets past the gall bladder, it will travel via the bile

> ducts into the small intestine. Who knows what the juices of digestion

> will do with the osmium. The osmium may never get to the end of the

> alimentary tract.

>

> 10. The eyes are prominent points of entry for osmium, for the eyes have

> no epidermal protective layer of skin. Additionally, the eyes are moist,

> and osmium tetroxide (osmic acid) is soluble in water and somewhat

> hygroscopic. One symptom of osmium poisoning may be blackish eye

> cavities.

>

> 11. Even at extremely low concentrations, osmium tetroxide can directly

> enter through the skin, which is not covered by clothing. The exposed

> skin may be exceptionally red in appearance and may feel hot to the

> touch, though the person has no fever and was not exposed to sun light.

> This may be a mild form of spontaneous human combustion or it might be a

> kind of an acid burn. If corn oil is applied to the exposed skin, when

> osmium tetroxide gas is present, it will more readily be absorbed and

> the redness will increase.

>

> Repeatedly, the author's face and neck, particularly the ear lobes, are

> fiery red and superheated to the point of being painful, when in areas

> of relatively high osmium tetroxide concentrations. On one occasion,

> when checking the temperature behind the ear lobe, the electronic

> thermometer registered 104 degree Fahrenheit, though the author had no

> fever. Numerous people, who live in the flood planes of the Fraser

> Valley, experience similar " red " faces. Also, certain residents of

> Alberta, with a neurological malfunctions, are called " Red Necks. "

>

> Note on Spontaneous Human Combustion:

>

> If platinum, hydrogen and oxygen are simultaneously present, even if in

> solution of water, hydrogen and oxygen will ignite, without an external

> ark. If an electrolytic chemical reaction of the human body temporarily

> releases hydrogen and oxygen, in the presence of platinum and salts of

> the extremely volatile oxidizing osmium tetroxide, a mini-explosion may

> trigger a chain reaction of events in the fatty substance, which had

> previously absorbed osmium tetroxide and were changed to glycols -

> alcohols. It would also be an interesting study to see how many

> documented cases of spontaneous human combustion involved individuals,

> who had on their body tattooing performed with osmium tetroxide.

>

> 12. Osmium salts may be filtered out by the kidneys and may in part be

> eliminated by the renal system. However, like the liver, the kidneys

> trap and accumulate osmium until they are finally destroyed by it. When

> relatively high concentrations of osmium are lodged in the kidneys, they

> may serve as oxidizing agents and catalysts converting iron in

> hemoglobin from the ferrous state to the abnormal ferric state,

> rendering hemoglobin ineffective. Unfortunately or fortunately, up to 70

> % of kidney functions may be destroyed before the host realizes that

> there is a problem.

>

> 13. Osmium may be ingested as particles , sand, soil, or dust. Example:

> On a car trip from Vancouver to Calgary, the author and his wife passed

> through the Lytton area, where extra-ordinary occurrences of platinum

> and iridium are documented by the Department of Geological Survey of

> British Columbia. Within the hour the author's wife became violently

> ill, vomiting and having diarrhea. Emergency wards at Golden B.C. and

> Calgary, Alberta, could offer little relief. Even at present the

> author's wife has occasionally similar episodes, which seem to go on for

> days with little relief. Living in an osmium infested area, a logical

> conclusion is the following:

>

> The osmium salt, osmium tetroxide hydroxide [OsO4(OH)2]2- is ingested as

> a naturally occurring particle, which immediately reacts with

> hydrochloric acid in the stomach fluids and forms inside the stomach

> osmium tetroxide and chlorine gas, the two most violent and poisonous

> substances to the human anatomy. The body's defense mechanism kicks in

> and tries to eliminate these toxins by repeated vomiting and diarrhea.

> Chemical formula of reaction:

>

> OsO4(OH)2- + 2HCl --> OsO4 + H2O + 2Cl (Note: The nascent chlorine is

> far more reactive than Cl2. The nascent chlorine released in aqua regia

> can oxidize gold and platinum. Ordinarily Cl2 cannot oxidize gold or

> platinum. In the above reaction nascent chlorine, an oxidizing agent

> more powerful than osmium tetroxide, is released inside the human

> stomach.)

>

> (See: http://www.webelements.com/webelements/text/key/Os.html- ISOLATION

> OF OSMIUM: " ... The residue is melted with Na2O2 and extracted into

> water to extract the ruthenium and osmium salts (including [RuO4]2- and

> [OsO4(OH)2]2-). The residue contains iridium oxide, IrO2. Reaction of

> the salt with chlorine gas gives the volatile oxides RuO4 and OsO4. " )

>

> On many occasions it may not be the " 24 hour flu, " nor " food poisoning "

> but osmium poisoning. If doctors do not look for osmium, how can they

> possible find it?

>

> D. -- PROGRESSIVE SYMPTOMS OF OSMIUM POISONING

>

> 1. The person has flu-like and iron deficiency symptoms; feels weak;

> lacks energy; looks pale, possibly with a touch of green, feeling cold

> and possible tinkling in extremities, particularly some parts of the

> body but not others. After continued exposure, in addition to, or in

> lieu of the tinkling, there may be the sensation of swelling. The

> exclusive tinkling in some fingers but not others is a preliminary

> positive identification of osmium in the blood circulatory system.

>

> 2. The person has an unexplainable cough, runny nose, bronchitis, and

> related respiratory disease symptoms.

>

> 3. Unexplainable abdominal ailments, possibly caused by the osmium

> coming via the bile ducts into the small intestine,

>

> 4. Symptoms of neuralgia; general feeling of malaise; chest pains as if

> pending heart attack, back pains; indistinguishable aches and pains in

> the body.

>

> 5. Irritated eyes, with annoying gritty feeling, lacrimation (watering

> of eyes), black eye sockets, seeing rings around lights like an aura,

> loss of sight, and eventual blindness.

>

> 6. Symptoms related to malfunction of liver.

>

> 7. Symptoms related to malfunction of gall bladder.

>

> 8. Symptoms related to malfunction of kidneys, back pain, drowsiness,

> never seeming to get enough sleep, until doped out of existence by

> toxins. Examples:

>

> Gout is a kidney related problem. The kidneys no longer can eliminate

> uric acid, so it accumulates until it crystalizes. The predominant

> occurrence of symptoms of gout are the legs and feet, particularly the

> big toe ( " Red Toe " See notes about the ear, number 11 above.), where

> concentrations of osmium may be expected. Like gold in a pan settles at

> the bottom, so osmium which has double the weight of lead once it is

> lodged in the feet is difficult to remove.

>

> The bladder may be affected by extra-ordinary high concentrations of

> osmium, excreted by the kidneys, and may, therefore, cause failure of

> bladder control, as do so-called neurological diseases such a MS.

> Preliminary symptom to watch for may be the occasional putrid smell of

> urine.

>

> 9. Cancers of every kind, for osmium tetroxide is a most powerful

> oxidizing agent.

>

> 10. Neurological disorders of every kind. Osmium is used as a fixation

> agent for microscopic analysis, and is extremely useful in the analysis

> of nerve cells. Osmium in the blood supply can " fix " all nerve cells in

> the human body.

>

> CONCLUSION:

>

> Osmium has more contributing factors to the demise of the human being

> than any other organic or inorganic substance. The human body has

> absolutely no safe tolerance level for osmium. Every single atom of

> osmium in the human body is a threat. The deemed safe tolerance level

> for osmium tetroxide is .2 part per billion, or one to .0000000002, the

> same as the naturally occurring average in the crustal earth. To put

> that into perspective: Take an area (Vancouver to Hope), 100 kilometers

> long, 10 kilometers wide and 5 meters high; add to it 1.1 cubic meter of

> osmium tetroxide gas and you have polluted the entire area for you have

> exceeded the deemed " safe " osmium tetroxide tolerance level for humans.

> Are you still wondering why people in the Fraser Valley are having all

> kinds of " allergy " problems, and respiratory diseases, for which doctors

> have neither answers nor cures.

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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