What type of testing allows you to see chronic lead exposure over time?

Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) testing is a valuable tool for assessing chronic lead exposure over time. This test measures the level of ZPP in the blood, which increases when lead interferes with hemoglobin synthesis. Typically, when lead enters the body, it disrupts the normal production of hemoglobin, causing a buildup of ZPP. This means that individuals with a history of lead exposure may exhibit elevated ZPP levels even after their blood lead levels decrease, making it an effective indicator of past lead exposure.

In contrast, FEP testing focuses on free erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels, but these are less specific for lead exposure compared to ZPP. Blood smear analysis can provide immediate information about current blood conditions but does not reflect chronic exposure. Environmental sampling assesses lead presence in surroundings but does not quantify individual exposure chronically over time. Thus, ZPP testing is specifically designed to indicate the cumulative effect of lead in the body, therefore making it the best choice for understanding chronic lead exposure.