The document is a review of the scientific literature on the biological and environmental effects of lead. Included in the review are a general summary and a comprehensive discussion of the following topics as related to lead and specific lead compounds: physical and chemical properties; occurrence; synthesis and use; analytical methodology; biological aspects in microorganisms, plants, wild and domestic animals, and humans; distribution mobility, and persistence in the environment; and an assessment of present and potential health and environmental hazards, including lead in packaged foods. More than 950 references are cited. The document also contains an evaluation of potential hazard resulting from lead contamination in the environment and suggests current research needs.

"EPA 600/1-78-029." "July 1978." "Published October 1979." "Project officer: Jerry F. Stara." "PB80-121072."

Lead, one of the oldest metals known to man, has by far the largest usage in the U.S. of any of the heavy metals, approaching 1.5 million metric tons per year. The largest use, for gasoline antiknock additives, results in the annual dispersion to the atmosphere of between 150,000 and 200,000 tons. Lead concentrations in the environment have increased significantly since the industrial revolution. Lead contamination reaching the environment is more or less immobilized in insoluble forms, e.g., as oxides, carbonates, or phosphates. Lead is not biomagnified to any significant extent in man's food chain. The transfer of lead to foods is minimized by its low solubility in environmental media, and by the ability of soil to bind lead ions. Although lead poisoning of animals does occur occasionally, the contribution of animal products to human lead burdens is negligible.