Toxic metals, including "heavy metals," are individual metals and metal compounds that negatively affect people's health. Some toxic, semi-metallic elements include arsenic, mercury, cadmium and lead. In very small amounts, some of these metals are necessary to support life. However, in larger amounts, they become toxic. They may build up in biological systems and become a significant health hazard to various organs within the body.
Tests
| Name | Description |
| Arsenic | Extremely poisonous, colorless, odorless toxin that can affect the skin, lungs and intestinal tract. It may cause nervous disorders, kidney damage, cancer of the skin, lung, liver and bladder. Key sources are cigarettes, fungicides, pesticides and weed killers. |
| Cadmium | Extremely toxic and may be found in cigarettes, air pollution, batteries, ceramic glazes, tap and well water, paints, seafood, and fungicides. It may lead to lung and prostate cancer, heart disease, and affect the kidneys, bones and immune system. |
| Lead | Lead is a natural toxin found in older painted buildings and contaminated drinking water. Key sources are hair dye, paint, insecticides,pottery, tobacco smoke, water, pesticides and soil.It can affect fetal development, delay growth and may cause developmental problems. it can affect the heart, bones, kidney and nervous system. |
| Mercury | Mercury is poisonous and found in dental fillings, childhood vaccines, batteries, soil, freshwater fish, fungicides, pesticides, paints, laxatives, thermometers and tuna. It may affect the nervous system, kidney, liver and may contribute to autism. |