Heavy metals exposure can occur due to contact with materials used in certain industrial settings or household products.  The body is able to process small amounts of heavy metals but high levels of exposure can result in materials building up in body tissues and causing a number of health complications. 
 

Arsenic can be found in materials such as pesticides, rodenticides, weed killers, paint, and wood preservatives.  Arsenic may also be found in food or groundwater in low levels.  However, some areas have higher than normal levels of arsenic in the ground which can increase the risk of exposure. Blood testing is most effective for recent or acute exposure to Arsenic. 
 

Lead can be found in a number of industrial products such as paint, ceramics, plastics, insecticides, and batteries.  Lead exposure is also a common concern for customers or employees of firing ranges due to the higher concentration of lead dust in these areas.
 

Mercury exposure can occur in industrial settings such as those which involve the burning of coal or from the consumption of certain products such as fish and shellfish.  Mercury blood testing can be used to detect exposure to both inorganic and organic mercury but is more effective at detecting organic mercury such as that found in seafood.
Cadmium is a toxic element which can cause health problems for people exposed to it. Cadmium is used in a number of metals and jobs involving heating, welding, grinding and other types of metalwork have a high risk of exposure. Smokers have a higher risk of cadmium toxicity due to its presence in cigarettes and other tobacco products. The buildup of

 

Cadmium in the body from environmental exposure may not show any short-term symptoms. Symptoms of acute Cadmium toxicity typically include fatigue, coughing, chest pain and burning in the throat.  Longterm health complication can include kidney damage, cancer, infertility and weak bones.

 

Aluminum exposure can occur in industrial settings which involve the processing of metal products such as cans, cook ware, roofing and siding, automotive and aircraft manufacturing. Aluminum is also found in a number of medications. Taking these medications for long periods of time or taking more than the recommended dosage may result in the buildup of unsafe amounts of aluminum in the body, especially in people with kidney disease.

 

This panel measures Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, Aluminum in whole blood or urine. It uses the most advanced technology (ICP-MS) to quantify level of toxic elements commonly found in our environment.