This guide was produced as part of an event by the Lead Ambassador Program hosted at the Wayne State University Undergraduate Library. The Lead Ambassador Program works in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Wayne State University AmeriCorps Urban Safety Program.
Lead, like other metals, is a naturally occurring element that can be found in small amounts in the earth's crust. Lead usually only naturally reaches the surface due to natural events such as volcanic activity. However, we have a long history of using lead for a variety of things: In paint, gasoline, batteries, pipes, ceramics, solder, faucets, and more. Over time, this has caused lead to accumulate in drinking water, soil, the air, and in people's homes. Lead exposure can be extremely harmful to a person' health, especially for children under the age of six and people who are pregnant. Any level of exposure is harmful; Risks of lead can include:
To access resources on the history of lead, its risks, and how it can be dealt with, please explore the pages of this guide.