Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that plays a critical role in various metabolic processes and is commonly included in blood panel tests to assess nutritional status. It acts as a coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes, pivotal in the synthesis of fatty acids, amino acids, and the generation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. Biotin is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and plays a role in maintaining skin, hair, and mucous membrane health.

Bismuth is found in alloys, catalysts, cosmetics, paints, magnets, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, x-ray contrast media,
and semiconductors. Bismuth is generally non-toxic, although very high levels may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Renal, neurological, and hematological problems have been associated with bismuth toxicity. Hair is not a sensitive
specimen for bismuth toxicity; blood and urine are most commonly used.

Bismuth is found in alloys, catalysts, cosmetics, paints, magnets, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, x-ray contrast media,
and semiconductors. Bismuth is generally non-toxic, although very high levels may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Renal, neurological, and hematological problems have been associated with bismuth toxicity. Hair is not a sensitive
specimen for bismuth toxicity; blood and urine are most commonly used.

Bismuth is a heavy, brittle metal with a white, silver-pink hue, typically found in small amounts in the earth's crust and often used in various industrial, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications, such as in the manufacturing of low-melting alloys, cosmetics, and some medications, particularly those used for gastrointestinal issues. In the context of a hair test, the presence of bismuth can indicate exposure to these products or environmental sources. While trace amounts of bismuth are generally considered non-toxic to humans, elevated levels can be a cause for concern.

Fecal bismuth (Bi) provides an estimate of a recent oral exposure to the element. Bi is a non-essential element of relatively low toxicity. Absorption is dependent upon solubility of the Bi compound, with insoluble Bi excreted in the feces while soluble forms are excreted primarily in the urine. Sources of Bi include: cosmetics (lipstick), Bi containing medications such as ranitidine Bi-citrate, antacids (Pepto-
Bismol), pigments used in colored glass and ceramics, dental cement, and dry cell battery electrodes.

Several organometallic Bi compounds are used for bactericidal and fungicidal applications.

Symptoms of moderate Bi toxicity include constipation or bowel irregularity, foul breath, blue/black gum line, and malaise. Unusually high levels of Bi retention in the body may result in nephrotoxicity (nephrosis, proteinurea) and neurotoxicity (tremor, memory loss, monoclonic jerks, dysarthria, dementia). Urine elements analysis may be used to corroborate Bi absorption for a period of days or a few weeks after
the exposure.

Used in alloys, electronics, batteries, crystal ware, cosmetics, flame retardants,and in antimicrobial therapy (H. pylori), antiseptic dressings, paraffin paste. Bismuth medical therapies exhibit high therapeutic effects and little side effects, though over-dosage can cause toxicity.

Very limited absorption in the GI tract. When absorbed, it binds mainly to transferrin and lactoferrin, interacts with enzymes due to a high affinity to cysteine residues, blocking the active site. Can accumulate in the kidney, lung, spleen, liver, brain, and muscles, while being eliminated in urine and feces via bile and intestinal secretions.

Used in alloys, electronics, batteries, crystal ware, cosmetics, flame retardants,and in antimicrobial therapy (H. pylori), antiseptic dressings, paraffin paste. Bismuth medical therapies exhibit high therapeutic effects and little side effects, though over-dosage can cause toxicity.

Very limited absorption in the GI tract. When absorbed, it binds mainly to transferrin and lactoferrin, interacts with enzymes due to a high affinity to cysteine residues, blocking the active site. Can accumulate in the kidney, lung, spleen, liver, brain, and muscles, while being eliminated in urine and feces via bile and intestinal secretions.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenoestrogen, exhibiting estrogen-mimicking, hormone-like properties that raise concern about its suitability in some consumer products and food containers. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic synthetic compound and it is a starting material for the synthesis of plastics, primarily certain polycarbonates and epoxy resins, as well as some polysulfones and certain niche materials. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has been found to bind to both of the nuclear estrogen receptors. A recent exposure to plastic that released excessive amounts of BPA into a food or a beverage could be identified by high levels of urinary BPA.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenoestrogen, exhibiting estrogen-mimicking, hormone-like properties that raise concern about its suitability in some consumer products and food containers. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic synthetic compound and it is a starting material for the synthesis of plastics, primarily certain polycarbonates and epoxy resins, as well as some polysulfones and certain niche materials. BPA is an endocrine- disrupting chemical that has been found to bind to both of the nuclear estrogen receptors. A recent exposure to plastic that released excessive amounts of BPA into a food or a beverage could be identified by high levels of urinary BPA.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenoestrogen, exhibiting estrogen-mimicking, hormone-like properties that raise concern about its suitability in some consumer products and food containers. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic synthetic compound and it is a starting material for the synthesis of plastics, primarily certain polycarbonates and epoxy resins, as well as some polysulfones and certain niche materials. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has been found to bind to both of the nuclear estrogen receptors. A recent exposure to plastic that released excessive amounts of BPA into a food or a beverage could be identified by high levels of urinary BPA.

BPA is one of the highest volume of chemicals produced worldwide. It is a starting material for the synthesis of plastics. BPA-based plastic is clear and tough, and is made into plastic bottles including water bottles, sports equipment, CDs, and DVDs. Epoxy resins containing BPA are used to line water pipes, as coatings on the inside of many food and beverage cans and in making thermal paper such as that used in sales receipts.

Bisphenol S (BPS) is a synthetic compound used in the manufacturing of plastics and resins, commonly found in a wide range of consumer products, such as food and drink containers, water bottles, thermal receipt papers, dental sealants, toys, cosmetics, and the lining of canned goods. Like its predecessor, Bisphenol A (BPA), BPS is known to be an endocrine disruptor, raising concerns about its potential effects on health.

BPS has been linked to several health risks similar to those associated with BPA, including reproductive and developmental issues, as well as an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. In response to growing concerns about BPA, many companies have switched to producing "BPA-Free" products. However, emerging evidence suggests that alternatives like BPS may also pose similar health risks, prompting ongoing research into their safety.