Lead (Symbol= Pb, Latin plumbum)-A soft, grey- blue metal. Lead, its salts and and other compounds, or mixtures are poisonous. Lead was known to be harmful hundreds of years ago. Lead poisoning may even have contributed to the downfall of Rome. Lead can cause poisoning not only through ingestion, but additionally via absorption through the skin. Use of lead is popular in industry and many harmful lead-containing products have been manufactured. Tetra-ethyl lead, the "anti-knocking" agent added to petrol (gasoline) can be absorbed through the skin causing mental symptoms and death. Lead, once popular in pencils, caused illness in many children and unfortunately, death on occasion. During the Roman Empire, lead was used to make cooking vessels. Being unaware of the effects of lead contamination, many people must have suffered during this time.

Toxicity of Lead

Toxicity of lead causes anorexia (loss of apetite), constipation, decreased body weight, decreased libido, headache, dizzines, hypertension, mood changes, irritability, insomnia, and other symptoms. A classic sign indicating lead poisoning is the development of blue-coloured goms in the area bordering the teeth.