American Board of Clinical Metal Toxicologists

[Guest guest]

Quackwatch discusses chelation therapy " board certification. "

Quackwatch has posted a report about the American Board of Clinical

Metal Toxicologists (ABCMT). Originally called the American Board of

Chelation Therapy, it is part of chelation therapists' effort to make

themselves look more legitimate. ABCMT's current online membership

directory lists 76 " diplomates " and 39 " diplomate candidates. "

However, it is not recognized by the American Board of Medical

Specialties, which sets the certification standards for in the United

States. [barrett S. Be wary of " board certification " in clinical

metal toxicology. Quackwatch, Feb 13, 2009]

http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/Nonrecorg/abcmt/overview

..html

Most " clinical metal toxicologists " claim that " heavy metal toxicity "

is an underlying cause of heart disease, autism, and many other

diseases, including cancer. Their favorite test for diagnosing this

alleged toxicity is a " provoked " urine test for which urine is

collected after a chelating agent is administered. Chelation and

other methods are then used to " detoxify " the body, which proponents

say will enable it to heal whatever disease they claim to treat.

Provoked testing is a fraud [baratz RS. Dubious mercury testing.

Quackwatch, Feb 19, 2005]

http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Tests/mercurytests.h

tml,

and chelation therapy has no rational use against the diseases

that " clinical metal toxicologists " claim to treat. [Green S.

Chelation

therapy: Unproven claims and unsound theories. Quackwatch, July 24,

2007] http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/chelation.html

ABCMT's chairman, Rashid A. Buttar, D.O. is facing charges of

financially exploiting patients brought by the North Carolina Board

of Medicine. During a hearing held last year, Buttar indicated that

nearly all of his patients are diagnosed with heavy metal toxicity

and receive chelation therapy. Five of ABCMTs' other 12 officers,

directors, and advisers have had legal and/or regulatory trouble in

the past.