How to Avoid Lead-Heavy Foods (Yes—it’s more common than you think)
At HEPA Environmental Services, we’re experts at finding and removing hidden toxins in homes—whether it’s asbestos in insulation or mold behind drywall. But toxins don’t just come from building materials. New research shows they can sneak into your food and supplements too.
If you’re serious about creating a truly safe, toxin-free home, you’ll want to read this.
The Trigger: lead in your protein powder
A recent investigation by Consumer Reports tested 23 popular protein powders and found over two-thirds contained levels of lead above what they consider safe (0.5 µg per serving).
In fact:
- Plant-based powders tended to have higher lead concentrations than dairy/whey-based ones.
- Some servings included several micrograms of lead—multiple times above the strictest safety thresholds.
- Health experts note: there’s no known safe level of lead exposure.
That means: even if you’re focused on home safety with asbestos or mold, you also need to watch what you’re eating and consuming.
Why this matters in your home
Lead is a heavy metal that can accumulate in your body over time. Silent exposure from food or supplements may not show up immediately—but the long-term health risks are real. These include:
- Neurological & developmental issues (especially kids)
- High blood pressure, kidney damage, fertility issues (in adults)
- It’s not just about “bad food”—even protein powders, spices, and other processed foods can contain lead thanks to contaminated soil, agricultural practices, or manufacturing shortcuts.
At HEPA Environmental Services, we treat your home environment the way you should treat your diet—holistically. Because true toxin reduction isn’t just about the walls and ceilings—it’s about everything that touches your air, your body, and your day-to-day life.
Practical steps to avoid lead-heavy foods
Here are actionable steps you can take today:
- Favor whole foods over processed supplements – Use real proteins like eggs, chicken, fish, beans and nuts instead of relying solely on powders.
- Inspect your supplement brands – Look for third-party certifications, transparency on testing, and choose brands with low heavy-metal disclosures.
- Be cautious with “plant-based,” “organic,” or unusually large servings – Studies found plant-based powders often had higher lead levels.
- Diversify your diet – Don’t rely on one type of product or supplement. Rotate food and ingredients to minimize exposure pathways.
- Consider your home’s toxin load too – If your home has older building materials (pre-1980s), lead paint, or areas with poor ventilation, you may be facing multiple toxin sources. That’s where we come in.
Why home-toxin removal and food-toxin awareness go hand in hand
At Ohio Asbestos Removal, we don’t just remove asbestos. We help homeowners create safer indoor environments—because your home and your health are deeply connected. If you’re already invested in removing toxins like asbestos, mold, or lead dust from your home, you’re in the right mindset to evaluate how safer your diet and supplements are too.
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t ignore an unsafe component in your house. Don’t ignore what you’re putting into your house—or into your body.
Final take-away
Lead isn’t just in old paint or contaminated soil anymore—it’s showing up in unexpected places like protein powders and other everyday consumables. Because there’s no safe level of lead exposure, keeping your diet, supplements, and living space as clean and regulated as possible matters.
If you’re ready to take the next step in toxins-free living—from your attic to your pantry—HEPA Environmental Services is here to help. Let’s make your home a truly safe sanctuary.