Lead Poisoning in the Worldand Iran

Lead is a relatively ubiquitous heavy metal with particular features such as resistance to corrosion,high malleability and wide variety of industrial applications. In medicine, however, itis considered as a slow-acting toxic substance affecting multiple body systems, specificallyfunctioning as a potent neurotoxin in the central nervous system. Lead poisoning may beacute or chronic and can be due to occupational or environmental exposures. The history oflead poisoning dates back to ancient times. The present paper briefly describes the worldwidehistorical accounts of lead poisoning with a special focus on Iran.