Lead dosage

Lead testing measures the concentration of this highly toxic heavy metal in food products, supplements, cosmetics, water, and environmental matrices. Even at low doses, lead poses major health risks, including neurological, hepatic, and renal risks. Its detection and monitoring are therefore among the most strictly regulated controls at European and international levels.

This analysis is carried out by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), ICP-OES (optical plasma emission spectrometry) or AAS (atomic absorption spectroscopy), reference techniques for the quantification of heavy metals at trace levels.

Lead: a historical and persistent contaminant

Lead (Pb) is a chemical element naturally present in the Earth's crust, but whose environmental concentrations have increased considerably as a result of industrial activities: metallurgy, fuels, paints, batteries or old pipes.

Although its use has been widely restricted, lead remains a contaminant of concern due to its persistence and bioaccumulation in living organisms. It can contaminate food, soil, water, or finished products through contact with lead-containing materials (pipes, varnishes, pigments, etc.).

Chronic exposure to lead, even at very low concentrations, is associated with serious effects on human and animal health:

• alteration of the central nervous system,
• developmental disorders in children,
• kidney and liver damage,
• enzymatic and metabolic imbalances.

Objectives and interest of lead dosage

The objectives of lead measurement are to:

• monitor regulatory compliance of products intended for consumption or application,
• check for contamination from raw materials, process water or packaging,
• assess the risks associated with chronic exposure in foodstuffs or cosmetic products,
• monitor environmental discharges from industrial activities,
• ensure the safety of products marketed internationally.

Affected matrices include:

• food products and nutritional supplements,
• plant ingredients and extracts,
• animal feed and mineral premixes,
• cosmetics and dermal formulations,
• drinking water, process water or natural water.

Analytical methods used

Lead is measured using high-sensitivity methods suitable for low concentrations:

• ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry) : the most sensitive method, capable of detecting lead at levels below µg/kg. It is ideal for food and environmental monitoring.
• ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry) : suitable for more concentrated samples or multi-element analyses.
• AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) : used as an alternative for targeted analyses, particularly on simple or aqueous matrices.

Depending on the matrix, an acid mineralization can be carried out upstream to solubilize the lead and eliminate interferences.

The analyses carried out in the YesWeLab network comply with the requirements of the ISO 17294-2 for metals by ICP-MS and the COFRAC standards applicable to accredited laboratories.

For a complete control of heavy metals, this analysis can be combined with the dosage of cadmium , mercury and arsenic .

Industrial and regulatory applications

Lead measurement is an essential regulatory requirement in many sectors:

• Food and nutraceuticals : Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 sets maximum lead levels in foodstuffs (e.g., 0.10 mg/kg for most processed products). Control of raw materials and finished products ensures batch compliance.
• Cosmetics : Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 prohibits the deliberate use of lead and its compounds in cosmetic products. Only technically unavoidable traces are tolerated.
• Environment : Directive 2008/105/EC on priority substances requires the monitoring of lead in surface water and sediments.
• Animal nutrition : Regulation (EU) No 574/2011 sets maximum limits for lead in animal feed (10 mg/kg for mineral supplements).

These regulations require manufacturers, importers and distributors to guarantee the conformity of their products through certified analyses.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of partner laboratories specialized in the analysis of trace elements and metallic contaminants. These laboratories have state-of-the-art ICP-MS and AAS equipment, enabling reliable detection at levels below µg/kg.

All analyses are carried out according to validated protocols, in compliance with ISO 17025 and COFRAC standards. The YesWeLab scientific team supports manufacturers in choosing the method best suited to their matrix and regulatory requirements.

Thanks to its digital platform, YesWeLab simplifies test management: requesting quotes, tracking samples and retrieving analytical reports online.

Since 2020, many players in the food, nutraceutical, cosmetics and environmental sectors have trusted YesWeLab for the detection and control of metal contaminants in their products.

Technical data

• Methods: ICP-MS, ICP-OES, AAS
• Expertise: Physicochemical, nutritional
• Sectors of activity: Human food, nutraceuticals, animal nutrition, cosmetics, environment
• Measured parameters: Total lead
• Normative references: ISO 17294-2, Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006, Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009

For any specific request, contact our team to obtain a personalized quote and analytical recommendations tailored to your products and regulatory obligations.