Lethal legacy

Article Abstract:

The Greeks were the first to mine lead ore in their search for silver which they used for coins. They also discovered a use for lead in making wine, unwittingly exposing humans to a toxic metal. The Romans followed suit by using lead in many of infrastructures, wine-making and food storage, leading to speculation that lead poisoning may have contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire. Major contamination of lead was brought on by the increased use of the heavy metal during the Spanish conquests. Although Benjamin Franklin detected symptoms of lead poisoning, lead was still used way after the Industrial Revolution.

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20th-century reaction

Article Abstract:

Leaded paint and leaded gasoline were the leading causes of lead poisoning, followed by the use of lead in soldering canned foods. Both government and industry were slow in responding to the threat of lead toxicity, and it was not until 1953 that the paint industry set its own restrictions on the amount of lead used. However, Congress waited until 1972 to impose the first law prohibiting utilization of lead. Despite signs of improvement in the level of atmospheric lead, the condition of lead contamination is far from ideal in comparison to the pre-industrial period.

Laws, regulations and rules, Lead based paint, Lead based paints

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Major lead sources

Article Abstract:

Lead poisoning is caused by either ingesting or inhaling lead particles found in the air and the environment. Normal and daily activities give enough opportunities for children to come in contact with lead toxicity. Major sources of the toxic heavy metal include leaded paint, leaded gasoline, recycled oil, smelters, food and water. The state which produces the greatest amount of lead is Missouri, followed by several Western states.

Causes of

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