Lead

Occurrence in nature: Lead is present in all types of soils. The main sources of contamination are industrial wastes and exhaust fumes.

Occurrence in tobacco: Lead is taken up from the agricultural soil by the roots of the tobacco plant as a pollution and is transported to the leaves. Lead has no function in the plant.

Occurrence in foodstuffs: Lead is present in trace amount in virtually all foodstuffs, such as in vegetables, cereals and meat products.The Swedish National Food Administration has established limits for foodstuffs, including snus (http://www.slv.se).