Lead Exposure: An Ongoing Public Health Issue

This lecture offers the following credit types: CME, P.A.C.E.®, Florida
 

Lead exposure, even in small amounts, is known to have negative health impacts particularly in small children. Despite this, lead continues to be a significant public health challenge. This presentation will review common sources and health impacts associated with lead exposure. The role of blood lead testing, including CDC guidelines and laboratory methodology will also be covered.

Originally published on January 2, 2026

Lecture Presenter

Jessica Boyd, PhD, FCACB, DABCC (TC)

Jessica Boyd, PhD, FCACB, DABCC (TC)

Associate Professor (Clinical)
University of Utah School of Medicine
Medical Director, Clinical Toxicology
ARUP Laboratories

Dr. Jessica Boyd is a medical director of toxicology at ARUP Laboratories and an associate professor (clinical) at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Boyd received her doctorate degree in medical sciences, analytical and environmental toxicology, from the University of Alberta. She also completed a fellowship in clinical chemistry at the University of Calgary/Calgary Laboratory Services. She has received several awards, including the 2018 Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists Award for Innovation in Laboratory Medicine and the 2016 Laboratory Director Grant, Mass Spectrometry Applications in the Clinical Laboratory. Dr. Boyd is board certified in toxicological chemistry by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry. Her research interests include urine drug screening and dried specimen analysis.

Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Describe possible sources of lead exposure
  • Discuss the health risks of lead exposure
  • Review the CDC guidelines for monitoring blood lead levels
  • Discuss analytical methods for testing blood lead levels

Sponsored by:

University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, and ARUP Laboratories