The production and release of lead into the environment is briefly reviewed and some attempt is made to quantify the movement of lead from atmosphere to man, both via the soil food chain and the respiration pathway. Existing data are analysed to estimate the transfer to man per unit input into the atmosphere. The results indicate that one year's contamination of the atmosphere at 1 gm 3 would result in an average lifetime lead uptake to blood of 7mg. A relationship between average daily intake and mean blood levels of lead is given. Dose-response information is presented which indicates that some persons living in more highly polluted environments are probably suffering from deleterious effects.