In today’s world, we are constantly exposed to toxins. Chemicals are found in everyday substances such as food, cleaning products, plastic, electronics, cookware, furniture, and the environment. Although these chemicals can be tolerated in microdoses, for those who are exposed at large, the risk of health consequences is high.
Research has linked environmental toxicity to several medical issues, including heart and neurological diseases, hormone disorders, immune deficiencies, thyroid problems, and mental health challenges [1].
Environmental toxin testing can help those who are regularly exposed to potentially harmful chemicals (e.g., industrial workers) understand their level of toxins in the body. The tests are designed to assess exposure and how the body responds to it. This helps create a personalized treatment plan that focuses on supporting the detox pathways and provides integrated nutritional support.
What is Environmental Toxin Testing?
Environmental toxin testing is a diagnostic process to identify and measure levels of harmful substances in the body, such as heavy metals, mold, or pesticides. Testing can help address chronic health problems related to toxic exposures, such as respiratory diseases, autoimmune disorders, metabolic disease, and mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
Testing usually involves collecting a urine or blood sample and sending it to a lab. Environmental Toxin Testing helps identify the most significant toxic culprits impacting your health. This is used to create a personalized detox and treatment plan tailored to your needs, using a combination of functional medicine approaches to support detoxification pathways in the liver and kidneys [2].
What Are Environmental Toxins?
Environmental toxins are harmful substances found in the environment (both natural and man-made) that can negatively impact human health. These toxins can be chemical, physical, or biological in nature and often originate from industrial activities, agriculture, household products, and natural sources.
Common examples include heavy metals, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), asbestos fibers, mold, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Understanding and minimizing exposure to these toxins is essential for maintaining long-term health and preventing chronic disease [2][3].
Environmental Toxin Examples
Heavy Metals
These include as mercury (from fish or dental fillings), lead (from old pipes and paints), and arsenic, which can impact the nervous system, kidneys, and liver function.
BPA & Phthalates
Chemicals found in plastics, food packaging, and receipts are known to disrupt hormones and immune function.
Asbestos Exposure
A known carcinogen that has long-term health effects, including respiratory diseases and mesothelioma. This is much less common now, thanks to strict regulations and prevention efforts; however, some older homes or industrial spaces are still at risk.
Pesticides & Herbicides
Used in agriculture and residential areas, it may accumulate in the body and contribute to chronic inflammation and toxin buildup. Pesticide poisoning effects include dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, and excessive sweating or salivation.
Mold & Mycotoxins
Produced by water-damaged buildings and damp environments. Symptoms of mold exposure can cause respiratory issues and immune dysregulation.
Flame Retardants
Commonly used in furniture and household items, they are linked to endocrine disruption and neurological effects.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
These come from air pollution, cleaning products, and building materials, which can affect respiratory health.
Signs You May Benefit From an Environmental Toxins Test
The following signs may indicate that you have had exposure to toxins and could benefit from testing to identify and address related health challenges [1].
- Chronic, unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, or nausea.
- Sudden or drastic mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, or memory loss.
- Frequent infections or chronic colds may indicate toxin-related immune suppression.
- Rashes, eczema, or wounds that take longer to heal.
- Shortness of breath, frequent sinus infections, nasal drainage, coughing, or other respiratory issues.
- Unexplained body aches and pains that do not respond to standard treatment.
- Exposure history, such as living or working in environments with chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, or mold. This could include industrial or construction workers, demolition crews, agricultural workers, firefighters, first responders, and individuals working in waste management.
- If you have a diagnosed condition that is resistant to conventional treatment or has an unknown origin, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune disorders.
If any of these apply, testing can identify hidden toxic burdens to guide personalized detox and treatment strategies for improved health and wellness.
How Testing Works
Environmental toxin testing analyzes biological samples for the presence of toxic substances using urine, hair, or blood. Each has its own advantages and limitations:
- Urine Testing: Measures recent toxin exposure from the past 24 to 72 hours.
- Hair Testing: Can test for the presence of toxins for weeks or months.
- Blood Testing: Best for detecting acute or current exposure, when toxins are circulating in the bloodstream.
Once the sample is collected and returned, it is sent to our lab to measure toxin levels. This is compiled into a clear report to help you understand your results and guide treatment.
Treatment and Detox Options After Testing
Some of the ways we accelerate toxin elimination and optimize your overall wellness include:
- Customized detox plans guided by your lab results & tailored to your unique toxin exposures and health needs.
- Nutritional counseling and targeted supplementation to support gut healing and optimize liver detoxification pathways.
- Intravenous (IV) therapies directly deliver essential vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants to boost the detoxification process and replenish the body.
- Ongoing monitoring to track progress and adapt treatment for sustainable, long-term recovery and wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Environmental Toxin Testing
Does insurance cover testing?
Most insurance plans do not cover toxin testing.
How do you treat mold exposure?
Treatment for mold exposure typically involves a combination of avoiding further exposure, supporting the body’s detoxification pathways, and addressing any symptoms or infections.
How long does it take to get test results?
Test results generally take 1 to 2 weeks after the lab receives your sample. Once results are available, Harper Clinic’s providers can review and discuss them with you in detail, developing a tailored plan based on your unique toxin exposure profile.
Is testing painful or invasive?
No, environmental toxin testing is non-invasive and straightforward. Most tests require a simple urine or blood sample, both of which are collected with minimal discomfort. Some tests can even be done entirely at home with easy-to-use sampling kits.
Who should consider getting tested?
Environmental toxin testing is beneficial for anyone experiencing unexplained or chronic health issues, individuals with known toxin exposure risks (such as those in certain occupations or living in specific environments), or those seeking a proactive approach to optimize their overall health.
Take Control of Your Health—Get Tested for Hidden Toxins at Harper Clinic Utah
Gain a detailed understanding of your exposure and customized detox plans based on your toxin profile. We offer convenient testing and treatment at the same location, guided by a licensed and experienced functional medicine team.
Our clinically excellent team provides tailored treatment plans to meet you wherever you are in your journey to better health. Book a consult today.
Sources
[1] Sears, M. E., & Genuis, S. J. (2012). Environmental determinants of chronic disease and medical approaches: recognition, avoidance, supportive therapy, and detoxification. Journal of environmental and public health, 2012, 356798.
[2] Zenick, H. et al. (2009). The future of toxicity testing for environmental contaminants. Environmental health perspectives, 117(7), A283.
[3] EPA. 2025. Chemicals, Pesticides, and Toxics Topics.