A cautionary tale and one not yet consigned to history, lead poisoning

 

 

Historically, lead was found in many beauty, health and hygiene products going all the way back to Ancient Egypt. It may be hard for us to believe, but white lead mixed with vinegar has been a popular foundation for women through the ages, giving the trademark white complexion. 

 

More recently, lead was used in a huge range of household products including paint and batteries. It could also be found in cigarettes and tobacco which, having a low melting temperature, meant it was released in smoke directly into the smoker’s lungs and atmosphere around them. 

 

So why was lead so popular? 

 

As already mentioned, it has a low melting temperature, making it easy to work with, as well as being easy to combine with other materials. Lead could also be used to help resist moisture – so keeping the product “dry” and “fresh” – as well as helping reduce corrosion and increase strength / durability. 

 

Unfortunately, its “soft” – or malleable – nature is the big downside of lead. It means that lead particles are easily released from it, whether as dust into the air or dissolved in water from pipes. If it comes into contact with the skin – such as in the make up used by the Ancient Egyptians or Elizabeth I, where a healthy “glow” was frowned on – it’s easily absorbed. As an aside, it’s also been credited as playing a part in Elizabeth I’s less than sunny disposition (!). 

 

However, it doesn’t stop there. 

 

There’s another big problem with lead, it’s very difficult to break down. When released into the environment, its particles persist whether in air, water or the soil affecting anyone who then comes into contact with it. It’s a similar story with the body, which can’t break the particles down, making it very difficult to release. This means it has to be stored somewhere it can do least damage, usually in the bones or in fatty deposits away from the major Organs. 

 

And here’s something that may surprise you. According to the World Health Organisation, there’s no safe level of lead exposure. As a powerful neurotoxin – a substance that destroys or alters nerve tissue and that includes the Brain – it’s linked to impaired cognitive development, IQ and attention spans. However, its effects can spread across the whole body to the Lungs, Liver, Heart and Kidneys. 

 

While sources of “new” exposure to lead may be limited these days, a very long shadow has been cast by past exposure. This is particularly so in industrial areas where lead was processed AND in urban or other areas with heavy traffic. It’s a particular concern in the re development of industrial “brown field” sites, often into ones for housing. 

 

So where are we going with this? 

 

It’s more of a cautionary tale than anything. A general reminder that, while we may like to think we know better these days, old sins really do cast long shadows. 

 

As always, the choice is yours.