The dangers of lead are indeed a threat to growing children. It is the number one environmental hazard they face, but it can play havoc with adults as well. Although leaded house paint is a principal danger, food and drink are also important ways that lead gets into the body. What's more, other nutrients in the diet can help determine how toxic that lead will be.

Measurements of lead in our bones show that humans living today have approximately 1400 times more lead as our ancestors had 400 years ago. EDTA is the best chelating agent for lead and was shown to reduce the incidence of cancer by 90% in a study done in Switzerland. EDTA can also chelate iron, copper, arsenic, cadmium and aluminum, and other metal ions that are implicated in causing disease and accelerating the process of aging.

When this tasteless, odorless mineral enters the body, it enters the red blood cells, where it can interfere with the manufacture of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying substance in the red blood cells. Lead also can enter the brain, and it freely passes through the placenta to a developing fetus. The list of lead's health effects includes kidney damage, harm to the nervous system, high blood pressure, growth retardation and a permanent impairment of mental abilities. Lead is more toxic during periods of rapid growth, pregnancy and childhood.

Lead is found everywhere, so it's not unusual for the body to contain small amounts. In fact, our system can eliminate this mineral, albeit slowly. Health problems begin when the intake of lead greatly exceeds the body's handling abilities.

Let's not forget lead cry stall that you'll find in your crystal decanters and wine glasses. Pottery glazes and paints in ceramic wares containing lead can also contaminate foods. Oregon and Washington state have recently warned consumers against using ceramic pots and dishes imported from Mexico and Latin America for cooking and serving foods. The FDA requires that ceramics that release lead in high amounts carry a permanent label warning against food use. Pottery may also be high in lead. If in doubt, use pottery for a decorative purpose only.

Most commercial manufacturers take steps to keep lead out of their wares, and to keep it from leaching. But if you buy goods abroad, particularly in the developing world, or even from small local potters in this country, you may get dishes that release lead, and some imports evade the regulation. Antique glass and pottery may also be high in lead. If in doubt, use pottery for decorative purposes only.

Homes built before 1978 often contain lead paint. If you are thinking of remodeling, reduce lead hazards with safe work practices.

Keep pregnant women, children and pets out of the work area. Control lead dust. Call 1-800-597-LEAD for lead safe work practices. Don't eat, smoke, or drink in the work area. Wash your hands and face before taking a break. Wet sweep and wet mop the work area after you are done working. Take a shower after you finish work. Wash your clothes apart from other laundry.

Often overlooked about the dangers of lead is the role played by the other nutrients in the diet. Two in particular, calcium and iron, can decrease the amount of dietary lead the body will absorb.

Of course, the best method of ridding your body of these toxic metals, including lead, is through intravenous chelation therapy.