What medical procedure is used to remove lead that is stored in the body?

The medical procedure used to remove lead stored in the body is chelation. This treatment involves administering chelating agents, which are special chemicals that bind to heavy metals like lead in the bloodstream. Once these agents are bound to the lead, they form a complex that can be excreted from the body through urine. Chelation therapy effectively reduces the levels of lead and minimizes its toxic effects on the body, particularly in cases of lead poisoning.

In the context of handling lead exposure, this method is particularly important as lead can have serious neurological effects and is harmful to vital organs. Therefore, prompt identification and treatment of lead accumulation is crucial, and chelation therapy plays a key role in this medical approach. Understanding how chelation functions highlights its specific application in treating heavy metal intoxication compared to other medical procedures that may not be suitable or effective for this purpose.