Are pewter and copper utensils harmful? The truth about pewter

Tin is the oldest metal used by man in everyday life. In Latin, it sounds like “strong” and “resistant”. Most often it was used for the manufacture of coins, dishes, jewelry. And also how protective covering against corrosion.

The metal itself does not emit toxic substances. The effect on living cells has not been fully studied by specialists. Therefore, it is impossible to unequivocally answer whether tin is harmful to the human body.

Where is contained

This element is mainly found in the bones. Among other things, its small amount is found in the lungs, heart, kidneys and small intestine. To date, several facts of the interaction of tin with the body have been revealed:

stimulates growth and development;
helps with recovery processes;
activates the mobility of enzymes;
supports the health of the musculoskeletal system;
daily, while eating, drinking and breathing in human body comes up to 50mkg/g of tin.
only 2-6% of the amount of metal is absorbed. The rest goes unnoticed naturally.

Influence

There are times when there is an overabundance of the intake of this substance. If a person absorbs it for a long time, then intoxication can occur. This is detrimental to health. Namely:

there are complications with the kidneys;
anemia appears;
multiplication of pneumococci in the lungs;
depression, fatigue and nervous disorders.

The employees of linoleum and plastics enterprises are mainly at risk of oversaturation. Also additional source The element is considered to be vehicle exhaust gases. Therefore, people living near roads are prone to get toxic poisoning.

In order to reduce negative factors, it is recommended to choose food products more carefully, opting for herbal ingredients. They perfectly absorb excess tin.

Influence of the norm of tin on immune system ambiguously. In some versions, it acts strengthening, and in others, weakening. The main thing is that there is no overabundance.

Physical and Chemical properties tin

Where tin got its name from, scientists cannot say for sure. In many ancient forms of languages - Slavic, Baltic, European - this word means "white lead", probably due to some similarity of these metals. It is possible that the name of tin is related to the Greek "alofos" - "white". However, in the periodic table of elements D.I. Mendeleev, tin entered under the Latin name Stannum, which, according to some assumptions, goes back to Sanskrit roots and carries the meaning of “resistant”: probably, the special resistance of tin in comparison with other metals known to ancient people did not go unnoticed and was reflected in the name. Tin has the designation Sn, this metal boils and melts only at very high temperatures, does not degrade in air or water, does not react to acids in normal concentrations, and reacts very slowly with concentrated acid. Tin is a soft and ductile, stable substance. Products made from it are light and durable, quickly covered with a surface oxide film and continue to be resistant to the environment.

Strange transformations of tin are known - when under the influence low temperatures the electronic structure of the metal changes, it passes from white tin to gray and crumbles into powder. This phenomenon in ancient times was called "tin plague". In the cold, the buttons on the winter clothes of soldiers, utensils for the army, and fuel tanks in the cold suffered from it. The transformation of white tin into gray begins at temperatures below -13, and at -33 ° C the process becomes rapid, and if you touch a piece of gray tin to white, “infection” will occur - the second piece will also change its structure and crumble.

The main industrial application of this metal is the manufacture of food packaging (tinplate). With his participation, they make solders in electronics, superconducting wires, bearing alloys, titanium heavy-duty structures, “finish” optical glasses that do not transmit X-rays, and process plastics, make batteries, and use them to obtain decorative glaze, gilding and ruby glass. Tin today is a scarce element that is in high industrial demand, since it has exceptional qualities of a resistant metal that does not react during food storage and is not harmful to human health, it produces high-quality alloys with copper and lead.

Tin is an ingredient in polymer paints and effective insecticides. The bottoms of ships treated with such paint do not become overgrown with molluscs, and wooden structures, thanks to the treatment with a solution with tin, do not suffer from pests.

Tin covers containers and containers where milk is stored, fruit juices, fish, meat, vegetables. Tin coatings are found in industrial containers for dry foods, tobacco, beer and various soft drinks, for drinking water.

The interaction of tin in the body, benefits for the body

It is known about the interactions of tin in the body that in the presence of a significant amount of this element, the excretion of zinc and copper is accelerated, since these elements are able to react with tin and are therefore poorly absorbed. A high amount of calcium reduces the digestibility of tin, but magnesium, on the contrary, becomes less if a lot of tin is supplied. In relation to other elements important for the body, tin behaves neutrally, demonstrating stability.

The benefits of tin for the body is to stimulate the growth zones of bone tissue and, possibly, participate in the production of hormones that control body weight. As a compound with fluorine, tin is known as an ingredient in dental caries prevention. In tooth enamel, this compound interacts with calcium and makes the enamel more resistant to acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. In addition, stannous fluoride effectively fights gingivitis.

Role in the occurrence and course of various diseases

Despite the low activity, tin can harm the human body, because it can accumulate in it. Accumulation occurs, for example, with constant contact with tin in working conditions, if a person is forced to inhale particles of this metal (for example, in the production of plastics, pesticides). The risk group for excessive accumulation of tin is also those who live near highways or are forced to constantly walk along the streets where traffic is intensively moving and, accordingly, high level exhaust gases. The accumulated particles of tin on the background overall decline immunity can provoke malignant diseases, since the level of magnesium in the presence of tin drops, namely, magnesium significantly prevents the development and division of cancer cells.

The main functions of tin in the human body

Little is known about the main functions of tin in the body, as detailed scientific studies have not been conducted. Most of the information available to us about the role of tin in the functioning of the human body is based on animal studies.

According to scientists, tin affects the processes of cell division, accelerating growth and weight gain, helps the skeleton to form and develop correctly, enhances the activity of certain digestive enzymes (for example, gastrin), and participates in the production of bile acids. Tin is involved in the production of flavin enzymes. These substances are responsible for dehydrogenation reactions, fatty acid oxidation and some other redox processes.

What foods contain tin

A lot of tin is found in sunflower seeds, nuts, very little in dairy products and practically none in cheeses. The content of tin in fruits is about 1.6 mg per kg of weight, and in canned foods this figure can be up to 280 mg.

The presence of tin in some foods (in mcg per 100 g of weight)

Plants are able to absorb tin from the air. For example, lingonberries and blueberries harvested near the highway can contain up to 40 mg of tin per 1 kg of berries (with allowable rate 2 mg). Lichens, elderberry leaves, or violet roots accumulate tin.

Another source from which tin enters our body is food packaging: cans, foil. Each month of storage of the product in a tin can increases the content of tin in it by 2 mg.

Doctor's advice. Products from an open tin can must be transferred to a glass container before being stored in the refrigerator. This measure will protect against excessive ingestion of tin into the body.

If the canned product is opened, then the level of tin increases even more rapidly. For example, in tin can with canned pineapples, after three days of storage in the refrigerator, the tin content increases from 50-77 mg to 260-300 mg per kg.

A study of fruits (peaches), which already before preservation had an increased content of tin due to the fact that they grew in an unfavorable ecological zone, showed the content of tin in them 417-597 mg, and symptoms of poisoning were observed in people who ate them.

Features of the preservation of tin in food

Tin is highly stable in food processing. It is not affected by heating, frying or boiling, but in the composition of dishes or packaging it can react with food, and its concentration increases. Researchers suggest that in ancient times, some diseases of the lungs and liver that the monks who made wine at monastic farms suffered from were associated with the tradition of storing wine in tin containers. Modern research of canned condensed milk showed: for 4 weeks of storage (in an unopened jar), the level of tin in the product was 40 mg/kg, then for 5 months this level did not change, and then during 2 years of storage the level of tin increased to 160 mg.

Mineral digestibility

Scientists began studying tin in the human body in the 20s of the last century and found that this element is present in bone tissue, kidneys, heart tissues, and the small intestine - only from 0.5 to 4 micrograms. This element enters the body with food. Every day we get it in an amount of 0.2 to 3.5 mg, and also by inhaling its particles, if the maximum permissible concentrations of this substance are exceeded in the air. Sometimes we receive daily up to 50 mg of tin per day, although 20 mg is considered the threshold value, but no more than 3-10% of the incoming element is absorbed into the blood. In the body, tin is converted into fat-soluble salts and absorbed in the small intestine, the excess is excreted in the bile and urine.

Combination with other nutrients

Tin combines well with fatty acids in foods such as nuts or seeds, but is a calcium antagonist and does not combine with it - so it is pointless to look for tin in dairy products or cheese.

Perhaps the reason for the relative safety of tin consumed with food is that this element tends to form harmless compounds with organic substances and be excreted from the body.

Daily rates

The effect of tin on the human body has not been sufficiently studied, therefore there is no scientifically confirmed data either on how much tin should enter it daily, or whether it is necessary at all to receive it. Usually, with a daily intake of 2-10 mg of tin, a person feels good, there are no disorders. metabolic processes and general well-being. The intake of 20 mg of tin is already considered the lower threshold of toxicity, although it is permissible to receive up to 250 mg of this element. Two grams of tin per day can cause symptoms of poisoning, although there are no reports of death due to the excess of foods rich in tin eaten.

What happens when a mineral is deficient

There are suggestions that with insufficient use of tin with food (less than 1 mg per day), and even for a long time, as a consequence of a chronic deficiency of this metal, growth may slow down, hearing deteriorate, hair loss accelerate, bone density decrease. Factors contributing to the development of such a deficiency are not scientifically confirmed, although these may be problems with absorption at the level of the small intestine or disorders mineral metabolism in the body, when, for example, excessively released calcium displaces tin and accelerates its excretion.

Given the fairly wide distribution of tin in food products, which regularly enter our table, it will not be difficult to make up for the deficiency of this element in the body.

Excess tin in the body and its causes

Much more serious is the case with an excess of tin. A number of unpleasant confirmed facts have been accumulated about this state.

Tin is able to gradually accumulate in the human body, being deposited in bone and muscle tissues, liver and kidneys. There is research evidence that the accumulation of tin in the body for a long time is a risk factor for the development of structural changes at the chromosome level with serious genetic consequences. With constant contact with tin and inhalation of its particles, a specific pulmonary disease develops - stannosis, which is manifested by shortness of breath and heavy cough with expectoration of sputum. Workers in plastics and fertilizer industries containing molten tin salts at very high temperatures often suffer from an occupational lung disease called pneumoconiosis.

Another dangerous factor tin accumulation is living near freeways. Regular walking on streets polluted by cars, other causes of constant inhalation of exhaust gases with spent tin particles, as well as the use of products grown on soils with a high content of tin, including those near freeways. Under such conditions, general immunity is significantly weakened and malignant tumors develop much more often.

Doctor's advice. For those who have to spend a lot of time near polluted streets or live near highways, and therefore are at great risk of getting an overabundance of tin, it is recommended to include more foods rich in magnesium in the menu, as this element accelerates the elimination of tin

Finally, the excessive accumulation of tin in the body is promoted by the abuse of canned foods and the constant use of fluorinated toothpastes.

Manifestations of excessive accumulation of a mineral in the body

The first signs of an excess of tin in the body are increased irritability and a metallic taste in the mouth. The skin becomes pale, and the mucous membranes of the gums acquire a bluish tint. In children with tin intoxication, it is noted hyperexcitability and aggressiveness, restlessness, lack of interest in learning and games. Women react more severely to excess tin than men. In them, structural disorders of nerve cells caused by this element often provoke the development of depression. In older people, tin can be deposited in the lungs faster and in greater quantities, due to the age-related slowdown in metabolism and the loss of the body's ability to actively remove excess metal. The accumulation of tin becomes the cause of frequent illnesses for them and can significantly shorten their lives.

The manifestations of excessive accumulation of tin in the body against the background of coughing and shortness of breath can be the following symptoms:

loss of appetite;
bad sleep;
general weakness, dizziness, headaches;
persistent nausea, abdominal pain;
indigestion;
an itchy rash on the skin, which can turn into small sores;
visual impairment.

Upon examination, the doctor can determine an enlarged liver, give a referral for a blood test (to find out if the level of sugar and transaminases in the blood is elevated, a decrease in the content of zinc and copper - tin antagonists in biochemical processes at the cellular level). An additional laboratory analysis of urine or a spectral analysis of the hair, prescribed by a doctor, will show an excess or deficiency of tin in the body.

Therapy of chronic intoxication with tin is carried out in accordance with the symptoms: hepatoprotectors, copper and zinc preparations are prescribed, the diet is adjusted, in severe cases of poisoning with tin salts, drugs are administered that can bind toxins and remove them from the body.

Medical preparations containing tin

To date, official medicine does not include drugs containing tin in treatment protocols, mainly because the effect of this metal on the body has not been sufficiently studied. In the medical recommendations of the last century, one can still find the appointment of funds with tin precipitate (this is an element precipitate formed by reaction with acid). It was used in the treatment of clouding of the cornea of the eye, as well as preparations with tin chloride - externally in the form of ointments and lotions for eczema, orally for epilepsy, for certain types of neuroses, sometimes for helminthic infestations. Now for these diseases prefer to choose more effective drugs with ingredients whose effects are well studied.

In homeopathy, tin has been used in the treatment of bronchitis, pancreatitis and headaches, with a lack of weight and slow growth, as an anthelmintic. Homeopathic treatment with tin lends itself to the type of migraine, which is characterized by a gradual increase and decrease. pain against the background of severe and prolonged nausea. In this case, the home remedy Stannum metallicum is used from a trituration of pure tin in dilutions from 3rd to 13th. Despite the extremely low doses of tin found in homeopathic preparations, it has been observed that patients become more irritable and often cry during their use, so homeopathic remedies with tin are rarely prescribed.

For more information about the extraction and processing stages of tin at modern mines and enterprises, see the video below.

Pewter utensils are not actually 100% tin, they are made from tin alloys. Products from this metal are considered the fourth in value after platinum, gold and silver. Over time, they only become better and more valuable, but you need to be able to properly care for them. How to do it?

Pewter items are typically 95 percent or more made from the metal itself, with the rest made up of copper or antimony additives.

Tin is included in the list of the seven most ancient metals and has unique properties- it does not harm human health, in contact with hot food does not emit any harmful substances, not subject to oxidation. Food in tin appliances does not acquire any foreign smells or tastes. This metal is one of the most suitable for creating kitchen utensils.

With the passage of time, pewter pieces can fade and take on an interesting velvety gray hue called "patina". Such things are especially valued among collectors.

Harm of pewter

When buying new products, you need to carefully study their composition. Tin is a very expensive metal, and some unscrupulous manufacturers may add impurities to the alloy that are not always suitable for the manufacture of food appliances.

If lead is present in the composition, the product becomes dull over time, darkens. It is worth refusing to use such dishes for their intended purpose.

Pewter Care

Tin products are quite demanding - they need regular care. Ideally, they should be cleaned immediately after use so that food debris does not remain in them for too long.

Dirt can be removed warm water And soft sponge coated with dishwashing detergent. Rinse after cleaning clean water and put to dry on a spread towel or dryer.

Use to clean such products dishwasher it is forbidden. Also, do not use hard sponges or abrasive detergents– they can scratch the surface of the appliances.

Modern, unpatinated, darkened pewter utensils can be cleaned with a polish designed for silver or brass items. Some mildly acting abrasive compositions (“Shine-500” or analogues) are also suitable. They are applied to a soft cloth and darkening or corrosion is removed.

Exquisite pewter, in which interest is now growing again, can become great gift for any significant event. Made from a rare and valuable metal, the painstakingly executed objects testify to the subtlety of the taste of their owners. They will give a sense of antiquity, decorate any home and attract the attention of guests.

Where is contained

stimulates growth and development;
helps with recovery processes;
activates the mobility of enzymes;
supports the health of the musculoskeletal system;
daily, while eating, drinking and breathing, up to 50 µg/g of tin enters the human body.
only 2-6% of the amount of metal is absorbed. The rest goes unnoticed naturally.

Influence

There are times when there is an overabundance of the intake of this substance. If a person absorbs it for a long time, then intoxication can occur. This is detrimental to health. Namely:

there are complications with the kidneys;
anemia appears;
multiplication of pneumococci in the lungs;
depression, fatigue and nervous disorders.

The employees of linoleum and plastics enterprises are mainly at risk of oversaturation. Vehicle exhaust gases are also considered an additional source of the element. Therefore, people living near roads are prone to get toxic poisoning.

In order to reduce negative factors, it is recommended to choose food products more carefully, opting for herbal ingredients. They perfectly absorb excess tin.

The influence of the norm of tin on the immune system is ambiguous. In some versions, it acts strengthening, and in others, weakening. The main thing is that there is no overabundance.

Food tin is used for the manufacture of cutlery, crockery and other utensils. This is due to the fact that food tin is an excellent conductor of heat. It should be noted that tin metallic form is not toxic material, so it is widely used to create various coatings in containers for long-term storage products such as cans.

Food tin, according to quality standards, should not contain lead. An insignificant mass fraction of impurities is copper and antimony, as well as silver, which give the alloy strength. More than a third of all tin mined in the world today is used to create food tin. also used to prepare various containers for drinks and desserts. The utensils made of this metal do not give the food characteristic of some other materials. bad taste Therefore, it is widely used in the food industry.

Our organization supplies O1pch food grade tin in full compliance with strict GOST standards, so the products differ high quality And the minimum amount impurities. Of course, all batches undergo the necessary certification and chemical analysis of the composition, so we guarantee our customers only first-class metal at reasonable prices.

Grade O1pch is offered in the form of ingots. The non-toxicity of the metal determines the requirements for its transportation and storage. Tin can be stored in any premises with a working ventilation system, while it does not emit harmful substances into the air. The only thing to avoid when working with metal is the ingress of particles of its dust into Airways Therefore, all workers must wear personal protective equipment.