lead

Last reviewed 01/2018

This is an environmental element which is potentially very harmful. A serious illness that may be lethal or result in brain damage may occur if large quantities are ingested or inhaled. It also seems likely that chronic exposure to environmental lead has a harmful effect on mental development.

Environmental sources of lead include water from lead pipes, paints, car fumes from leaded petrol. Note also that Asian families use lead salts in cosmetics applied regularly to the conjunctivae and this may result in poisoning.