Heavy Metals

Overview:

This panel measures three metals that have no useful role in the body and that reach people through distinct routes. Arsenic comes mainly from contaminated well water, some occupations, and food, particularly seafood and rice. Lead comes from paint in homes built before 1978, older plumbing, contaminated soil, and some jobs and hobbies. Mercury comes largely from eating fish that concentrate it, and from some industrial exposures. Blood levels reflect relatively recent exposure for all three, so the timing of the sample matters, and results are interpreted alongside diet, occupation and living circumstances.

Categories:

Environmental Toxins

Biomarkers:

3 biomarkers