A heavy metal test checks for high levels of toxic or potentially harmful metals in your body. Toxic heavy metals are in the environment, some foods or medicines and, sometimes, water. You may absorb heavy metals through your skin, breathe them in or eat them.

These heavy metals are safe in small amounts. But if you consume too much of these metals, you may develop metal poisoning. Without treatment, overexposure to certain heavy metals can be fatal.

Heavy metal tests look for potentially dangerous metals when found at certain concentrations. Examples of these heavy metals include:

• ● Arsenic
• ● Cadmium
• ● Chromium
• ● Lead
• ● Mercury
• ● Aluminum
• ● Copper
• ● Iron
• ● Manganese
• ● Nickel
• ● Selenium
• ● Silicon
• ● Thallium
• ● Zinc

The signs of heavy metal poisoning are often not specific and overlap with other conditions.

• ● Abdominal pain
• ● Chills
• ● Diarrhea
• ● Muscle weakness
• ● Nausea or vomiting
• ● Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• ● Tingling in your hands or feet