Lead poisoning is a serious and pervasive condition that can impact anyone in domestic, professional or social contexts. However, the consequences of a toxic level of systemic lead are greater for some than others. Because lead occurs both naturally and as a result of manufacturing processes, we\u2019ve compiled a list of five things to know about poisoning with the goal of education and prevention.<\/p>\n
Unlike many substances to which we may be exposed, there is no level considered safe<\/a>. Any amount of lead in the blood may be toxic and cause side effects. While awareness of potential sources of toxic lead is greater than in the past, poisoning can occur in many contexts. In homes, schools or businesses, lead-based paints are one of the chief sources of contamination. Similarly, municipal water supply systems in drastic need of an upgrade deliver often-toxic doses of lead to vulnerable populations. Other avenues of exposure include candy manufactured in other countries, toys, costume jewelry, artificial turf not made exclusively of polyethylene, and folk medicines.<\/p>\n Because lead has a low melting point, is easy to obtain, and bonds well in carbon metal compounds, it\u2019s a familiar source of ancient lead poisoning<\/a>. Use in jewelry, edifices, and everyday items dates to 8,000 years before present in Anatolia. However, it was a known agent of toxicity in the Greek city-states, where it was a common ingredient in the whitening cosmetics worn by noble men.<\/p>\n Rome is perhaps the greatest example of self-poisoning, and it is the Latin word for lead that we take our word for plumbing. However, they employed the metal in a variety of contexts, from the production of wine and cosmetics to smelting currency and weaponry. It\u2019s thought that lead toxicity was a chief source of infertility, mental disorders, and ultimately political collapse in the Roman Empire.<\/p>\n2. Ancient Arts and Crafts<\/h3>\n
\n
3. Vulnerable Populations<\/h3>\n