[Biochemical methods for the detection of lead poisoning (author's transl)].

After a short description of sources of lead poisoning a review is given of toxicity, absorption, storage and excretion of lead. Afterwards its biochemical affects--especially the influence on the biosynthesis of heme--are treated. Methods for diagnosis of lead poisoning resulting from these affects--determination of coproporphyrine and delta-aminolevulinic acid excretion in urine, erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity and erythrocyte protoporphyrin--are discussed in detail.