Lead

Lead has been known of since ancient times and there are records of lead poisoning dating back in documents from ancient Greece, Rome and China. Lead is also mentioned in the second book of the old testament. It is also the official insignia of the Roman Emperor today. It also has a long history in alchemy- many alchemists believe that lead could be turned into gold.

It accumulates in the body, stored in bones and soft tissues. It acts as a neurotoxin, damaging the central nervous system. As it is very dense and corrosion resistant, it is good for making pipes.  It does not occur naturally, but is instead found in zinc, silver and copper.