Lead

Lead is a soft, inexpensive metal extracted from ores and widely used in the manufacture of many consumer products such as pipes, automobile parts, electronic equipment, batteries, pigments, and radiation shielding. It can be found throughout the environment in soil, indoor and outdoor air, water, consumer products and food, and can enter living organisms by means of eating, breathing, or by absorption through the skin. Although it occurs naturally in the environment, significant concentrations of lead in living organisms can result in lead poisoning. Additionally, children and the developing fetus may be at risk even at much lower levels.

Health Canada conducts research on the effects of lead exposure, as well as on exposure levels, and works to limit Canadians' exposure to lead by developing regulations concerning the safe use of lead in consumer products. Health Canada furthermore promotes awareness of lead-related health issues and works with partners in industry and at all levels of government to develop guidelines concerning lead safety.

In this section you will find information of relevance to researchers, industry, and the Canadian public on the relationship between lead and human health, including where and how exposure can take place, and how Health Canada acts to minimize the harmful effects of lead to humans and natural environment.

Lead Risk Reduction Strategy For Consumer Products

Commonly Asked Questions About Lead and Human Health