It is a health hazard for all humans Children under the age of six are most at risk for lead poisoning. You cannot see or smell lead, and often, you cannot taste it. It may be in the paint on your walls, in the water or in the soil. Some soldered canned goods from other countries contain lead.
Pure lead is a heavy gray metal, easily scratched with a house key.
While lead is very toxic to people, it has properties that make it ideal as a base for glazes, paints, solder, bullets, sinkers and plumbing fixtures. Lead has been used to make petroleum products, glass panels, crafts, batteries, jewelry, pencils, colored newsprints, etc. Although we are surrounded by lead in our environment, it does not mean that we will be poisoned. The government no longer allows lead to be added to house paint, furniture, toys and other consumer products. Lead is still legally added to paints, glazes and decals used on dishes and other ceramicware.