About Lead
Lead is a heavy metal that is naturally occurring and has been used in various industries. It is a well-known environmental toxin with no known biological function in the human body. Lead exposure can occur through activities such as manufacturing, recycling, and using products containing lead, leading to potentially severe health effects.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
Not specified
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate lead poisoning, which can cause severe neurological damage, developmental delays in children, and kidney dysfunction.
Low
Low levels may be associated with negligible health impact, as lead is not essential for bodily functions; however, monitoring is crucial in case of increasing exposure risk.
Symptoms
High
Symptoms of high lead levels may include fatigue, headaches, muscle and joint pain, abdominal pain, memory problems, and mood disorders.
Low
Symptoms of low lead levels are less commonly discussed, as lead is not a necessary element for the body. Symptoms of general mineral deficiencies that are not offset by low lead might include dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- Lanphear, B. P., Rauch, S., Auinger, P., Allen, R. W., & Hornung, R. W. (2018). Low-Level Lead Exposure and Mortality in US Adults: A Population-Based Cohort Study. The Lancet Public Health, 3(4), e177–e184.
- rld Health Organization. (2021). Lead Poisoning and Health. Retrieved from
- nters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Blood Lead Levels in Children. Retrieved from
- Hanna-Attisha, M., LaChance, J., Sadler, R. C., & Schnepp, A. C. (2016). Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children Associated with the Flint Drinking Water Crisis: A Spatial Analysis of Risk and Public Health Response. American Journal of Public Health, 106(2), 283–290.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Prevention of Childhood Lead Toxicity. Pediatrics, 138(1), e20161493.