Lead
Toxins · Heavy metal / neurotoxicant
Critical priority
Bottom line
Read Off Label rates Lead a CRITICAL avoidance priority (9.4/10) based on very strong evidence of very high harm magnitude and high historical exposure prevalence.
Lanphear 2018 reanalysis estimated ~400,000 annual US deaths attributable to legacy lead exposure even at 'non-dangerous' blood levels.
The intervention here is reducing exposure, not adding a compound.
What this is
Lanphear 2018 reanalysis estimated ~400,000 annual US deaths attributable to legacy lead exposure even at 'non-dangerous' blood levels. Flint crisis returned lead to public awareness. Aviation gasoline (100LL) continues to deposit lead around general aviation airports. Turmeric (especially bright-yellow market varieties) has been repeatedly found adulterated with lead chromate.
Mechanism
Divalent cation; no safe level identified; primary current exposures: pre-1978 home lead paint, old plumbing (leaded brass, lead service lines), contaminated soil, imported spices/cosmetics/pottery, aviation gasoline
Dose & route
Test pre-1978 homes for lead paint; test tap water; test imported spices/pottery; clean dust regularly
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29544878/
- https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/data/blood-lead-reference-value.htm
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5826063/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39538079/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- How harmful is Lead?
- Lead is rated CRITICAL avoidance priority (9.4/10) on the Read Off Label scale, derived from very strong evidence of very high harm magnitude and high historical exposure prevalence.
- How does Lead cause harm?
- Divalent cation; no safe level identified; primary current exposures: pre-1978 home lead paint, old plumbing (leaded brass, lead service lines), contaminated soil, imported spices/cosmetics/pottery, aviation gasoline
- How do you reduce exposure to Lead?
- Lanphear 2018 reanalysis estimated ~400,000 annual US deaths attributable to legacy lead exposure even at 'non-dangerous' blood levels.
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.