Previous research has indicated that low-level lead exposure may increase the risk of a number of chronic age-related diseases.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Lead exposure link to cataracts

It may sound fanciful, but a growing body of evidence seems to suggest there may be a link between violent crime and - no, not policing strategy, or sentencing reform, or even trends in drug abuse, but - exposure to lead.

BBC: Does lead poisoning make you violent?

But longer exposure to the gene protein might lead to other cancer-causing abnormalities, which would not be reversible.

BBC: Leukaemia 'on-off switch' discovered

Exposure to its tiny fibers, particularly over a period of time, can lead to asbestos-related diseases that include lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, according to the U.S. National Institutes for Health.

CNN: UK court ruling opens door to more asbestos claims