ABSTRACT
In the second century BC, Dioscorides noted, “Lead makes the mind give way”. Despite this warning, the seemingly endless uses of lead has repeatedly brought it into daily use and widespread distribution. In modern times, lead was heavily used in paint and as a gasoline additive. The subtle brain damage that even low levels of lead exposure caused in children was recognized and acted upon only in the last 30 years. It is now well documented that even blood levels below 10 µg/dl can harm the developing brain. As the following case studies demonstrate, lead is still a serious concern.
