Generally, hair provides a good indication of exposure to lead (Pb). However, elevated levels of Pb in head hair are occasionally an artifact of hair darkening agents, e.g. lead acetate. Although such products can cause exogenous contamination, transdermal absorption may be clinically significant. When scalp hair is contaminated with such products, hair Pb levels are typically extremely high

A percentage of assimilated Lead is excreted in urine. Therefore the urine Lead level reflects recent or ongoing exposure to Lead and the degree of excretion or endogenous detoxification processes.

Sources of Lead include:

- old lead-based paints,

- batteries,

- industrial smelting and alloying,

- some types of solders,

- Ayruvedic herbs,

- some toys and products from China and Mexico,

- glazes on (foreign) ceramics,

- leaded (anti-knock compound) fuels,

- bullets and fishing sinkers,

- artist paints with Pb pigments,

- and leaded joints in municipal water systems.

Found naturally in soil. More often found in fossil fuels, gasoline/exhaust, manufacturing, lead-acid batteries, ammunitions, metal solder and pipes, X-ray shields, paint, glass, pigments, and sheet lead.

Fecal lead (Pb) provides an indication of recent oral exposure to the element, and to a much lesser extent Pb that has been excreted from the body in bile. Absorbed Pb is excreted primarily in urine (76%) and bile (16%). Lead remains the most common clinically problematic toxic metal despite long past termination of its use in gasoline and paint. However, high levels of Pb have been found in soil under older bridges and overpasses due to sand blasting and refurbishing.

Lead toxicity causes paralysis and pain in the extremities due to effects on demyelinization, axonal degeneration, and presynaptic block. Lead toxicity commonly affects sensory, visual, auditory, and cerebellar (coordination) functions, reflecting its impact on the nervous system. Normocytic, sideroblastic anemia is the consequence of lead’s inhibiting effects on enzymes in the heme biosynthesis pathway. Other clinical signs associated with lead toxicity are kidney damage, epigastric pain and nausea, and male and female reproductive failure. Hyperactivity, anorexia, decreased play activity, low intelligence quotient and poor school performance have been observed in children with high lead levels. Sources of lead include lead pipes, painted toys, some red lipsticks, lead paint or its dust, soil around old cars, old homes, or highways (past leaded gasoline contamination).

Found naturally in soil. More often found in fossil fuels, gasoline/exhaust, manufacturing, lead-acid batteries, ammunitions, metal solder and pipes, X-ray shields, paint, glass, pigments, and sheet lead.

Lead toxicity causes paralysis and pain in the extremities due to effects on demyelinization, axonal degeneration, and presynaptic block.

Lead toxicity commonly affects sensory, visual, auditory, and cerebellar (coordination) functions, reflecting its impact on the nervous system. Normocytic, sideroblastic anemia is the consequence of lead’s inhibiting effects on enzymes in the heme biosynthesis pathway.

Lead toxicity causes paralysis and pain in the extremities due to effects on demyelinization, axonal degeneration, and presynaptic block.

Lead toxicity commonly affects sensory, visual, auditory, and cerebellar (coordination) functions, reflecting its impact on the nervous system. Normocytic, sideroblastic anemia is the consequence of lead’s inhibiting effects on enzymes in the heme biosynthesis pathway.

Lead is a potentially toxic element found in paints, batteries, electronics, and ceramics as well as in air, soil, and water. A urine test is a noninvasive test that can detect high levels of lead and prevent potential health issues.