Lead
Occurrence
Lead has been used in various products such as coins, color pigments, pans, cans, water management and flavour substances for a long time . Previously lead was added in petrol, but this use has ceased in Sweden. Contemporary uses of lead include batteries, cables, color pigments, ammunition and soldering materials. Lead is a global environmental contaminant commonly found in the environment (air, soil, water and food ). Lead is present in virtually all foods. Low concentrations are found in vegetables, grains and meat products, but relatively high levels in seafood and game meat.
Health
Lead and lead compounds are classified by WHO as a possible carcinogen.
Swedish snus and foodstuffs
100 grams of leafy vegetables containing 4 micrograms of lead, which is equivalent to the contents in about 1 (x) 24 g can of Swedish snus
Limit values
The Swedish National Food Agency has set a limit for lead in Swedish snus and chewing tobacco. Within EU there are maximum levels of lead in some foods (http://www.slv.se/). Lead has had a limit in GOTHIATEK since the standard was introduced that is lower than the limit set by the Swedish National Food Agency.
