Heavy metal poisoning occurs when your body’s soft tissues absorb too much of a particular metal. The most common metals that the human body can absorb in toxic amounts are mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic. You might be exposed to high concentrations of these metals from food, air or water pollution, as well as medicine, food containers with improper coating, industrial exposure, or lead-based paint.
Sudden, severe heavy metal exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Chronic heavy metal exposure over time may cause various symptoms as a result of damage to body organs, and may increase the risk of cancer.
Note that a blood lead level of 5 µg/dL (0.24umol/L) or more is a notifiable condition to the local health department.*
Red blood cell testing can provide information about mineral levels within the cells themselves. Since red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days, red blood cell mineral levels may provide insight into their status over a longer period compared to serum/plasma levels, which represent more recent intake or changes.
Aluminium is a common environmental metal found in cookware, antacids, and some vaccines. Elevated levels may affect neurological function and warrant reducing exposure.
Antimony is used in flame retardants, batteries, and some industrial processes. Long-term exposure may irritate the lungs or skin and affect liver function.
Arsenic is a toxic element often found in contaminated water or rice products. Chronic exposure can impact the skin, cardiovascular system, and increase cancer risk.
Beryllium is a lightweight metal used in aerospace and electronics. Inhalation or high exposure can cause lung disease or allergic reactions.
Bismuth is generally low in toxicity and found in some medications like Pepto-Bismol. High levels are rare but may cause neurological symptoms with overuse.
Cadmium is found in batteries, cigarette smoke, and some foods. It can accumulate in the kidneys and bones, causing long-term toxicity.
Mercury exposure commonly comes from fish or dental amalgams. It is neurotoxic and can impair memory, coordination, and mood over time.
Nickel is present in stainless steel, coins, and jewelry. Elevated levels may cause allergic reactions or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
Lead is a toxic heavy metal with no safe exposure level, often from old paint, pipes, or contaminated soil. It can impair neurological development, especially in children.
Platinum is used in jewelry, chemotherapy drugs, and catalytic converters. While generally low in toxicity, occupational exposure should be monitored.
Silver has antimicrobial uses in medicine and industry. Excessive intake over time can lead to argyria, a bluish-gray skin discoloration.
Thallium is a highly toxic metal used in electronics and pesticides. Even small exposures can affect the nervous system, hair, and digestive tract.
Tin is used in food packaging and soldering. Organic tin compounds can be toxic, though elemental tin is relatively safe in small amounts.
Uranium is a radioactive metal mostly from groundwater or occupational sources. Chronic exposure may damage the kidneys and increase cancer risk.
Zirconium is used in ceramics and dental implants. It is considered low in toxicity but may cause allergic responses in rare cases.
You’ll receive your venous blood draw test kit in the mail, along with logistics for your sample collection.
Mail your sample back to the lab using the prepaid envelope and packaging provided.
Results for this test available in 10-12 days and will be published in your online dashboard.
