ABSTRACT
The uses of lead include: soldering, paint pigments; storage batteries; ceramics; insecticides; plastics; bearing alloys; and in ammunition. Lead was formerly used in the form of tetraethylead in leaded gasoline; however, the usage is decreasing. Significant non-occupational exposure can occur in children from ingestion of lead-based paint chips, lead in soil, and lead in drinking water. Other minor sources of non-occupational lead exposure include certain hobbies such as pottery making, lead in food, cosmetics, and some “traditional” medicines. The primary form of lead exposure is from inorganic lead compounds; however, adverse effects from organic lead compounds (such as tetraethyl and tetraethyl lead) may occur to people who work in the manufacturing, transport, or industrial handling of these compounds.
