What It Measures
This test measures the amount of lead (a toxic heavy metal) circulating in your blood, reported in micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). Lead enters the body primarily through environmental exposure — contaminated water, old paint, soil, certain foods, and occupational hazards — and accumulates in bones, soft tissues, and blood.
Blood lead level measures the concentration of lead, a toxic heavy metal, in the bloodstream. Even low levels of lead exposure are associated with cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, cognitive decline, and reproductive harm. There is no known safe level of lead in the blood, making this a critical biomarker for environmental toxicant exposure.
Current Value
What High Means
Elevated blood lead levels indicate significant lead exposure and toxicity risk. Levels above 5 µg/dL in adults are considered elevated by the CDC. High lead is associated with hypertension, chronic kidney disease, cognitive impairment, peripheral neuropathy, gout, reduced fertility, and increased cardiovascular mortality. Lead disrupts heme synthesis, impairs mitochondrial function, generates oxidative stress, and interferes with calcium-dependent signaling. At very high levels (>40-70 µg/dL), acute lead poisoning can cause encephalopathy, seizures, and organ failure.
Possible Symptoms
Fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain and cramping, constipation, joint and muscle pain, memory and concentration problems, mood changes (irritability, depression), high blood pressure, numbness or tingling in extremities, reduced libido, metallic taste in mouth. Severe poisoning: seizures, encephalopathy, wrist/foot drop, kidney failure.
What Low Means
Lower blood lead levels are desirable, as there is no known safe threshold. Levels below the detection limit indicate minimal recent lead exposure. However, lead stored in bones can be released during periods of bone turnover (pregnancy, menopause, osteoporosis), so a low blood level does not guarantee zero body burden.
Possible Symptoms
No symptoms associated with low lead levels — lower is always better. A non-detectable level is ideal.
Risk Factors
Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, cognitive decline and dementia, peripheral neuropathy, gout, anemia, infertility (both male and female), miscarriage, developmental delays in children, hearing loss, and increased all-cause mortality.
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Vitamin C
- •Calcium
- •Iron
- •Zinc
- •N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
- •Alpha Lipoic Acid
- •Selenium
- •Modified Citrus Pectin
- •Chlorella
- •Glutathione
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Test and filter drinking water — use NSF-certified filters that remove lead
- •If living in a pre-1978 home, test for and professionally remediate lead paint
- •Wash hands and surfaces frequently, especially before eating
- •Remove shoes at the door to avoid tracking in contaminated soil
- •Eat a diet rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C — these nutrients compete with lead absorption
- •Avoid imported ceramics, traditional remedies, and cosmetics that may contain lead
- •If occupationally exposed, follow strict hygiene protocols — shower and change clothes before going home
- •Maintain adequate iron stores — iron deficiency increases lead absorption
- •Consider chelation therapy under medical supervision if levels are significantly elevated
- •Sweat regularly via sauna or exercise — some evidence supports minor lead excretion through sweat
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Historical Trend
Related Biomarkers
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-28 | 1 mcg/dL | 0.0 |
| 2025-08-25 | 1 mcg/dL | — |