If imported wine containers have a lead foil wrapper, wipe the rim and neck of the bottle with a towel moistened with lemon juice, vinegar, or wine before using. Don't store wine, spirits, or vinegar-based salad dressings in lead crystal decanters for long periods of time as lead can leach out into the liquid. High doses of lead can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and bones and can even be lethal. Even continuous low-level exposure causes lead to accumulate in the body and cause damage. It is particularly dangerous for babies before and after birth and for small children because their bodies and brains are growing rapidly.
Many federal agencies study and monitor lead exposure.