science reporter Lead is a cumulative poison like mercury and cadmium. Once it is absorbed it tends to accumulate in the body. Most of the Pb retained by the body is held in the mineral bone, here it may partially replace calcium. Like mercury it is toxic to the nervous system and kidney.Lead is probably the most ubiquitous metal poison. sciencemagazine It is used for numerous purposes. To contain Pb toxicity steps should be taken to control contamination. Modifications in diets to minimize Pb absorption are also helpful. Diets must be rich in fibre and other important nutrients like calcium iron iodine and vitamin C science magazine pdf