Lead is a naturally occurring bluish-grey metal found in small amounts in the earth’s crust.
Sources
Lead can be found in all parts of our environment. Much of it comes from human activities including burning fossil fuels, mining and manufacturing. The recognition of impaired health effects has resulted in the enforced reduction of lead in petrol and the promotion of unleaded fuel for use with vehicles with catalytic converters. Since the ban in the UK in January 2000, emissions of lead have been restricted to a variety of industrial applications, for example in the manufacture of batteries, pigments in paints and glazes, alloys, radiation shielding, tank lining and piping.
Health Effects
Lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body. The most sensitive is the central nervous system, particularly in children. Lead also damages kidneys and the reproductive system.
