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Dieren en planten

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Heavy metals   Lead   
Slab of lead for roofing, Ecomare

Lead

Lead is a poisonous heavy metal found naturally in extremely low concentrations in the sea. This natural amount is now only found in the water flowing into the North Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. Elsewhere in the North Sea, the lead content has clearly risen due to emissions by the industry, combustion installations, combustion products from leaded benzene and other waste matter.

  • Poisonous

    Lead is heavily toxic. It is not degradable and it accumulates in the food chain. Lead spreads throughout the whole body and attaches itself onto the skeleton in 90 percent of the time. It is harmful for the kidneys and the nervous system. Children ranging from a four-month old foetus to their fourth year are particularly vulnerable.
    In the marine environment, lead has damaging effects for the entire food chain. Even extremely small concentrations have a restraining influence on phytoplankton. Further up in the food chain, the lead levels in fatty tissue of prey can add up to unhealthy amounts.

  • Poisonous

    Lead is heavily toxic. It is not degradable and it accumulates in the food chain. Lead spreads throughout the whole body and attaches itself onto the skeleton in 90 percent of the time. It is harmful for the kidneys and the nervous system. Children ranging from a four-month old foetus to their fourth year are particularly vulnerable.
    In the marine environment, lead has damaging effects for the entire food chain. Even extremely small concentrations have a restraining influence on phytoplankton. Further up in the food chain, the lead levels in fatty tissue of prey can add up to unhealthy amounts.