Inorganic lead is undoubtedly one of the oldest occupational toxins and evidence of lead poisoning can be found dating back to Roman times. It is a contaminating metal that has received much attention as the causative agent of one of the significant silent types of poisoning in the modern world. Industrial lead production started at least 5000 years ago. The evidence of lead poisoning is not limited to lead workers rather the general population is also significantly exposed owing to poorly glazed ceramic ware, the use of lead solder in the food canning industry, high levels of lead in drinking water, use of lead compounds in paint and cosmetics and by deposition on crops and dust from industrial and motor vehicle sources.
Dr Swaran J.S. Flora comments in SciTopics a research summary based blog site on this universal toxin and discusses the role of nutrition.
