A process for removing Pb2+, Hg2+ and other heavy metal toxins from bodily fluids is disclosed. The process involves treating a patient with a small molecule heavy metal chelator to remove these toxins from bones and soft tissue cells into the blood or other bodily fluid. Then an ion exchange composition is used to ion exchange the heavy metal toxins from bodily fluids either within the body or by treatment outside the body such as by dialysis. The ion exchange compositions may be supported by porous networks of biocompatible polymers such as carbohydrates or proteins.