Lead (Pb) contamination of the air was a serious problem in the 20th century due to the use of Pb in gasoline from the 1940’s to the 1980’s. Eight small rural reservoirs were tested for the quality of the sediment in eastern Kansas, USA.

The bodies of water that were created during the period of leaded gasoline and had a major highway close showed Pb in the sediment. Bodies of water that were created after the peak use of lead or had little or no traffic did not have increased Pb in the sediment. Four of the bodies of water exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “threshold-effects level.”

Two of the reservoirs are estimated to take at least 20 to 70 years to return to baseline Pb levels. Baseline levels are considered to be pre-1920’s levels.

The levels of Pb found could cause problems to the environment if the water is dredged, if the dams are removed or if the dams fail.

CONCLUSION: Lead contamination in our environment is a result of the use of Pb. for many years in gasoline. At risk are sediments under bodies of water that were close to highways. This knowledge must be considered when the bodies of water or dams that contain them are to be changed.

NOTE: This problem is of concern in California where the federal government has mandated removal of 5 dams along the Klamath River to facilitate the return of the salmon population. The sediment behind the dam must be tested for Pb. Release of Pb could cause an environmental disaster downstream.

Plumbum metallicum homepathics can be used to remove lead from the body.

To read the author’s abstract of the article click on the link to the author’s title of the article above.

PMID: 17071878.

Summary #167.