Illness caused by absorbing lead, a toxic heavy metal, through ingestion or inhalation. In food contexts, historical sources included lead-soldered food cans, lead-glazed pottery leaching into acidic foods, lead water pipes, and contaminated game shot. Lead accumulates in the body, damaging the nervous system, kidneys, and blood formation; in children it impairs brain development at very low exposures, with no safe threshold identified. Modern regulations have sharply reduced food-related exposure by banning lead solder in cans, controlling glazes, and setting strict maximum levels in foods. Ongoing surveillance of imported foods and traditional remedies remains important for prevention.