LEAD has been used in everything from plumbing to paint since the days of the
Roman Empire, but from next March it will be illegal in Denmark—the first
country to attempt such a ban. The Danes are phasing out products containing 50
or more parts per million of lead. The decision ignores the European
Commission’s advisers, who say that such a ban would be ineffective.
Lead is a nerve poison and high levels in the environment cause brain damage
in children. Europe plans to eliminate leaded automotive fuel by 2005, but
Denmark says levels of lead in its citizens’…
