Lead Unit Converter

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the body over time. A blood lead level (BLL) test measures the amount of lead present in your blood.

There is no safe level of lead in the body. Even low concentrations can cause harm, particularly in children whose developing brains and nervous systems are especially vulnerable.

Once absorbed, lead distributes into the blood (bound mainly to red blood cells), soft tissues, and bones. Bone serves as a long-term storage site, and lead can be released back into the bloodstream during periods of increased bone turnover such as pregnancy, aging, or illness.

Lead is not produced by the body. All lead in blood comes from external environmental sources, including lead-based paint in older homes, contaminated dust and soil, lead pipes and plumbing fixtures, certain occupational exposures, and some imported products.