What is a common method for assessing exposure to toxic substances?

Blood tests are commonly used to assess exposure to toxic substances because they can directly measure the concentration of chemicals or toxins in the bloodstream. This allows for an effective identification of systemic exposure, as many toxins enter the body and are transported via the blood. Blood tests can provide information on both acute exposure, which may require immediate intervention, and chronic exposure, where longer-term health effects can be assessed.

In contrast, while urine tests can also detect certain metabolites and provide insight into recent exposures, they are not as definitive for all types of toxic substances. Hair samples can indicate long-term exposure, but they may not reliably reflect acute exposure and vary depending on the substance. Skin biopsies are primarily used for local reactions or damage rather than a systemic assessment of exposure. Thus, blood tests are considered one of the most comprehensive methods for determining exposure to a wide range of toxic substances.