Lead (Urine)

Elevated urinary lead concentration is indicative of chronic lead toxicity. Urinary lead concentrations may be used to monitor detoxification therapy. Lead interferes with the metabolism of calcium and Vitamin D. High blood lead levels in children can cause consequences which may be irreversible including learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and mental retardation. At very high levels, lead can cause convulsions, coma and death. Too much lead can damage various systems of the body including the nervous and reproductive systems and the kidneys, and it can cause high blood pressure and anemia. Lead accumulates in the bones and lead poisoning may be diagnosed from a blue line around the gums. Lead is especially harmful to the developing brains of fetuses and young children and to pregnant women.

Elevated urinary lead concentration is indicative of chronic lead toxicity. Urinary lead concentrations may be used to monitor detoxification therapy.