The role of lead as an environmental pollutant in the period of growing ecological consciousness.

On the basis of the monitoring measurement results of Kraków's environment a long-time evaluation has been presented, with regard to lead presence. The pollution with lead in a last few years was displayed in atmospheric air, soil and drinking water samples, as well as in some vegetables and food products. It was concluded that a characteristic trend regarding lead pollution of the environment could be observed; a decrease of lead level in air and in vegetables was presented, in soil and milk as well as in dairy products--remained low. Only in lettuce and parsley leaves the exceeding of the permissible lead content was confirmed. At present, in spite of the decrease of the heavy metals level in the environment, lead is still present and the health hazard to men exists, but to a lesser degree.