A Review of the Use of Lead Compounds in Medicines, Cosmetics and Food Additives

Abstract

A review on the usage ef lead compounds in medicines, cosmetics and food/drink additives is presented. Examples cover a large time-scale (from antiquity te the present day) and come from many parts of the world. Only examples where lead compounds have been deliberately added are covered in this review. Lead’s toxicology is briefly mentioned, as is the current usage of lead compounds in traditional remedies/cosmetics in the Middle Eastern countries.