Lead

Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in household products, automobile fuel, and industrial chemicals. Locally, airborne lead was associated primarily with automobile exhaust and lead smelters.

Since the phase-out of lead in fuel and the closure of the Harbor Island lead smelter, airborne lead is no longer a public health concern in the Puget Sound region. Lead has not been monitored in the Puget Sound area since 1999.

For more information:

• 2005 Air Quality Data Summary (PDF 1.8MB)