Environmental and Occupational Lead Toxicity: Some Current Considerations

The role of trace elements In human health Is not well understood. Lead Is generally regarded as a toxlc trace element with no beneficial effects. However, the adverse effects of lead resulting from environmental and occupational exposure have been the subject of extensive research. There Is still controversy over whether lead from petrol Is the maln source of lead for most people. There have been a number of reports of lead contamlnatlon of food, air and water, however there Is some question about the accuracy of the reported data and hence the concluslons drawn. Although certaln aspects of lead toxlclty are reasonably well understood there Is stlll uncertalnty about the maximum acceptable safe level and also about the wlde varlety of factors that affect the absorption and retention, and hence toxlclty, of lead. Of partlcular Interest Is the Influence of dietary factors on lead toxlclty