Occupational and Environmental Health 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

While iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy and is needed to make hemoglobin for carrying oxygen in the blood and for the baby's development, it is not a heavy metal. Magnesium is a mineral that helps with muscle and nerve function, but it is not known to be stored in high amounts in bone. Zinc is required for proper immune system function but is not a heavy metal.

Lead, on the other hand, is a heavy metal that can be stored in bone as a result of past exposure and can be released into a woman's bloodstream during pregnancy. This can be harmful to both the mother and the developing baby. It is important for pregnant women to limit their exposure to lead and have their levels monitored by a doctor.