Like humans, our pets and our farming and work animals can be exposed to toxic heavy metals and consequently suffer symptoms, get sick or under perform. In this article we explore how exposure to heavy metals like Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury and others can affect our much-adored pets. Because animals, especially our pets, share our environments, we explore the notion that our animals act as sentinels or guardians absorbing unseen dangerous chemicals that we or particularly our children, may also be exposed too. Finally, we demonstrate that low cost animal hair testing, can reveal these unseen exposures and subsequently open a pathway to reduce exposures both in our beloved animals, our children and ourselves.

This article gives a comprehensive list and explanation of possible exposures to the heavy metal, LEAD (Pb). Lead is a neurotoxin and has been known to cause brain damage and reduced cognitive capacity, especially in children. Lead exposure can result in nephropathy, as well as blood disorders such as high blood pressure and anemia. Lead also exhibits reproductive toxicity and can results in miscarriages and reduced sperm production. Lead is absorbed following inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure. It is then distributed mainly to the bones and red blood cells.

This article gives a comprehensive list and explanation of possible exposures to the heavy metal, CADMIUM (Cd). This is an in-depth look at how we can be exposed to Cadmium. Most importantly, we also look at how cadmium exposure can effect children and adult long-term health. This report is especially useful for those who have found levels in their body through pathology testing or the Toxtest/EAL Hair Analysis of toxic metals. This article will be updated as more information becomes available and complements all other Cadmium related information and tests on Toxno and Toxtest.

This article gives a comprehensive list and explanation of possible exposures to the heavy metal, ARSENIC (As) particluarly in Australia. This is an in-depth look at how we can be exposed to Arsenic. Most importantly, we look at ways to minimise this. This report is especially useful for those who have found levels in their body through pathology testing or the Toxtest/EAL Hair Analysis of toxic metals. This article will be updated as more information becomes available and complements all other Arsenic related information and tests on Toxno and Toxtest.

For the first time in Australia, human hair testing is available to the public using the absolute latest Perkin Elmer Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometer at Environmental Analysis Laboratories in Lismore, Australia. Instrument detection limits are at or below the single part per trillion (ppt) level for many of substances tested. Results are then presented online without any personal details - hence preserving privacy and confidentiality. Many innovative features are utilised so that individuals can get the outmost from their results. Example results are on this page. It's also a great way for children to get screened for heavy metal exposure like antimony, lead and mercury because of the non-invasive nature of the test.

DUST TESTING: This article has been significantly updated on our new Toxtest Dust Testing page in March 2021. DUST TESTING in AUSTRALIA. Dust Testing in Australia is now affordable for Families. The new Toxtest Dust Testing page shows Example Results that are visually innovative and sensitive enough to pick up interior and exterior contamination and focuses on the environments we spend the most time in - Workspaces, Schools, Offices and our Homes.

This is an evolving testament of possible exposures to the toxic form of Chromium (hexavalent chromium). Data comes from researching the current literature and other sources. Thanks to all the scientists, researchers, universities, government departments and investigative journalists for making this data possible and available.

Lead (+ other heavy metal) exposure at Shooting Ranges and the Danger to Human and Environmental Health