Lead is present in everyday life, both from natural sources and human activities. However, lead is a heavy metal that is toxic to the human body. It is often invisible, odorless, and tasteless. Lead can harm anyone, but it is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women.
It may be found in older paint, dust, soil, and some imported or traditional products such as cosmetics, medicines, spices, toys, jewelry, and cookware. Industrial sites, waste emissions, and hobbies or jobs involving lead can also contribute to exposure.
Historical Use of Lead
Lead poisoning was once known as a disease of the wealthy in Ancient Rome, where lead was widely used in pipes, cookware, cosmetics, and wine. Because lead is durable and easy to shape, it has been used in everyday items for thousands of years. However, it is not just a problem of the past. Today, lead can be present in everyday things – making exposure a risk for everyone, especially children.
Explore the timeline below by clicking the yellow dots to see how lead has been used throughout history and why it remains a concern today.
Why Lead is Still a Concern Today
While policies have reduced lead exposure, it remains a significant public health concern worldwide. Not all countries have the same protections in place, and communities around the globe continue to face exposure from sources such as paint, plumbing, consumer products, and industrial pollution. Learn more about U.S. lead laws and regulations.
- Many older homes still contain lead-based paint or plumbing, and soil contamination from deteriorated paint, past use of leaded gasoline, or industrial emissions continues to pose risks in some areas.
- Some products containing lead are not covered by federal regulations, meaning lead can still be present in everyday items, such as imported cookware, toys, cosmetics, or traditional remedies.
- Lead does not break down over time, so once it’s in the environment, it can remain for decades.
- Exposure to lead, even in small amounts, can cause serious health and developmental problems, particularly in children. These may include learning disabilities, impaired speech and hearing, and shortened attention span.
- In women, lead can pass to the baby through the placenta during pregnancy or through breast milk while breastfeeding. High levels of lead in the body can increase the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery.
- Lead is hard to detect. Most children with lead poisoning often do not look or act sick.
Ongoing monitoring, education, and remediation efforts are crucial to reducing exposure and protecting public health.
References
- De Keersmaecker M, Dowsett M, Adriaens M. A short historical overview on the use of lead. 2018;197-213. https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8558334/file/8558350.pdf. Accessed October 22, 2025.
- Environmental Protection Agency. EPA determines that lead emissions from aircraft engines cause or contribute to air pollution. Published October 18, 2023. Accessed October 22, 2025. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-determines-lead-emissions-aircraft-engines-cause-or-contribute-air-pollution
- Environmental Protection Agency. Protect your family from sources of lead. Updated December 6, 2024. Accessed October 22, 2025. https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead
- Needleman HL. History of lead poisoning in the world. https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/get_the_lead_out/pdfs/health/Needleman_1999.pdf. Date unknown. Accessed October 22, 2025.
- Reh M, Tsai R, Mobley A. The rise and fall of lead in the workplace. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published October 25, 2021. Accessed October 22, 2025. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2021/10/25/lead