Except around point sources, airborne lead is only a minor exposure pathway. Improperly fired ceramic ware, leaded crystal, and lead-soldered cans result in lead leaching into foods. Some foods-handling practices can increase the lead content of food. Rather than occurring as trace ingredients or trace contaminants, various lead compound are use as major ingredients of traditional medicines in numerous parts of the world. Example of such exposures have been reported from Arab cultures, from the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent,from China, and from Latin America.
Many hobbies can result in substantial exposures to lead.
Furniture refinishing may also result in lead exposure. In some areas, the burning of lead-painted wood in home stoves and fireplaces is a source of lead exposure. Lead fumes are generated, ashes contaminated the home, and ashes are often disposed of in the backyard, resulting in contamination of the environment. In some areas, the burning of lead-painted wood in home stoves and fireplaces is a source of lead exposure. Lead fumes are generated, ashes contaminated the home, and ashes are often disposed of inthe backyard, resulting in contamination of the environment.