Lead

Lead is a toxic substance that can damage the nervous system and affect the ability to learn. Developing embryos/foetuses and children are particularly sensitive. However, health risks associated with articles mainly arise if someone sucks on the article or happens to swallow it.

Presence of lead

Lead is used, for example, in car batteries, fishing weights, ammunition and in solder points in electronics. Lead can also be mixed with other metals to facilitate the manufacture of parts where the shape is important, for example, in keys and water taps. In plastic, lead compounds can be used to make it more durable and add colour. Different colour lead compounds can also be used in paints.

Lead may not be present in certain articles

Lead is a very toxic substance that is prohibited in some articles. Lead is prohibited in gasoline, paint, toys, electrical products and jewellery. As of June 2016, it is also forbidden in all articles that children can put in their mouths. Lead is also forbidden in shot for hunting in wetland areas and for sport shooting, for example, clay pigeon shooting.

Last published 12 October 2020