The Lead Legacy: How Toxic Metal Is Sneaking Into Your Life

April 4, 2026

Despite its historical prevalence in everything from ancient plumbing to 20th-century gasoline, lead is a highly dangerous metal that can accumulate in the human body over a lifetime. Researchers have been analyzing strands of hair to track long-term lead exposure and evaluate the impact of the EPA’s environmental regulations.

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Thure E. Cerling, distinguished professor of geology & geophysics, The University of Utah

While testing hair isn’t a direct look at the concentration in a person’s blood, Thure E. Cerling says it’s an accurate measure of what’s happening in the environment. The team analyzed hair samples spanning nearly 100 years to get a clear look at how lead exposure has changed over time.