How Lead,
affects the human body
Lead is a naturally occurring metal found throughout the Earth's crust. High levels of lead are often associated by human activities such as mining, manufacturing, use and decay of lead-containing products (pipes, batteries, ammunition, gasoline, and paints). While the use of lead has decreased or banned in consumer goods, lead pollution lingers as goods or products are discarded or breakdown.
Lead is one of most heavily regulated contaminants and the number of man-made sources has decreased in the last 50 years. However, it can be found in contaminated drinking water associated with older plumbing and service lines that pre-date the 1980s. It is estimated that infants receive 40-60% of their total lead exposure from contaminated drinking water. Children may also be exposed through lead paint in older homes, or soil and dust near industrial regions.
Lead can be inhaled or ingested, has no distinct taste or smell, and can dissolve in water, making it extremely toxic and mobile. There is no safe level of lead exposure. Workers are at greater risk of exposure, however, children are much more susceptible to the toxic effects of lead exposure.