Mercury (Hg)

Heavy metals are found naturally in the environment. They're also found in certain medicines, supplements, and foods. Chemicals used in industry and farming may also contain heavy metals, which can end up in the air, soil, and water.

Heavy metals get into your body in different ways. You might breathe them in, eat them, or absorb them through your skin. Because heavy metals are just about everywhere, it's normal to have some in your body. But if too much heavy metal gets into your body, it can cause heavy metal poisoning, which can be deadly.

Heavy metal poisoning can lead to organ damage, changes in your behavior, or difficulties with thinking and memory. The symptoms of heavy metal poisoning depend on the type of metal, how much is in your body, and your age. The highest risk for serious, long-term health problems from heavy metals is during fetal growth and a child's development. The most commonly tested heavy metals are lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium.

Higher than normal levels of a heavy metal in your blood may mean that you have heavy metal poisoning, but not always. Even if you don't have symptoms, you may still need to avoid all exposure to that metal.

Depending on the heavy metal and your condition, you may also need treatment to help your body get rid of the heavy metal as quickly as possible. In certain cases, your provider may recommend chelation therapy. For this therapy, you'll take medicine by mouth or have an injection (shot) of a medicine that helps remove the metals from your body through urine (pee). In certain cases, chelation medicine is given through an IV (intravenous) line. Chelation therapy can have serious side effects, so it's important to think about the risks and benefits.

Normal or low levels of heavy metal in your blood usually mean that you don't have heavy metal poisoning. However, some heavy metals leave your bloodstream quickly and are stored in your tissues. So, if you have symptoms, your provider will likely order more tests to check for heavy metals in samples of your urine, hair, skin, or fingernail clipping.