Lead, glass and the environment

Abstract

The history of lead usage spans some 5000 years. Lead has found considerably wider usage than its natural abundance might suggest. The role of lead in glass manufacture and in particular lead crystal is outlined. Problems involved in replacing lead in glass are discussed. While lead is one of the oldest industrial poisons, it is only in the latter partof this century that it has been elevated to the status of a premier environemental concern. The consequences of this have been acute. The roles of international bodies such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Program on Chemical Safety (IPCS) in reducing exposure to lead are reviewed.