Lead is a highly toxic metal and a very strong poison.
Lead is found in lead-based paints, including paint on the walls of old houses and toys. It is also found in art supplies, contaminated dust, gasoline products sold outside of the United States and Canada
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Create an account to view full list of RisksLead is the most common toxic element. Volcanic activity and geochemical weathering are the greatest natural sources. Lead-based paints, gasoline additives, food-can soldering, battery making, and soldered joints of drinking water pipe systems represent anthropogenic sources of lead in the environment. Recommendations to limit lead paints since 1978 have led to substantial reductions in childhood lead toxicity. Many children, however, continue to live in houses with either nonintact lead-based paint or high levels of lead in dust. Exposure to lead also occurs through airborne emissions and occupational exposures, water, and foods or occasionally through the use of alternative health care products, such as herbal remedies. Tetraethyl lead as a gasoline additive for land-based vehicles has now been largely banned worldwide. However, it is still present in aviation fuel for piston engine aircraft. Particles of lead suspended in the atmosphere, along with fuel-based and other sources of lead can represent a source of continued exposure.Lead poisoning usually occurs over a period of months or years. It can cause severe mental and physical impairment. Young children are most vulnerable.
Children get lead in their bodies by putting the lead containing objects in their mouths. Touching the lead and then putting their fingers in their mouths may also poison them. Lead is more harmful to children because their brains and nervous systems are still developing.