Revealing an Invisible Health Threat
Despite being a useful metal, lead is highly toxic and difficult to detect: its fumes and dust are odorless, and exposure to them does not immediately cause overt symptoms in most cases. The good news is that new x-ray technology makes it possible to detect lead in soil, spices, food, paint, cookware, and other solid materials.
WASHINGTON, DC/MANILA – Lead is everywhere, often hiding in plain sight – in the water you drink, the air you breathe, the food you eat, your personal care products, and your children’s toys. Despite being a useful metal, it is highly toxic and difficult to detect: its fumes and dust are odorless, and exposure to them does not immediately cause overt symptoms in most cases.