| Chelation is a chemical
process that has applications in many areas, including medical
treatment, environmental site rehabilitation, water purification,
and so forth. In the medical environment, chelation is used
to treat cardiovascular disease, heavy metal toxicity, and
to remove metals that accumulate in body tissues because of
genetic disorders (hemochromatosis).
Chelation therapy, simply defined, is the process by which
a molecule encircles and binds (attaches) to the metal and
removes it from tissue. Depending on the drug used, chelating
agents specific to the heavy metal involved are given orally,
intramuscularly, or intravenously. Once the bound metal leaves
the tissue, it enters the bloodstream, is filtered from the
blood in the kidneys, and then is eliminated in the urine.
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