Since 1920, there has been knowledge of the harmful effects that lead exposure has on humans. The issue of lead poisoning is not new. Scientists have known for more than a century that the naturally occurring metal can have catastrophic effects on physical and developmental processes but has no significant biological function that can promote human health. Lead toxicity, however, continues to be a problem for public health despite the knowledge of the harm it causes.

Conventional medicines may contain lead as an active ingredient or contaminant, and numerous incidents of poisoning in adults and children have been reported. These drugs can be used for a variety of conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, skin disorders, infertility, erectile dysfunction, epilepsy, and diabetes, or they can be taken as tonics and aphrodisiacs. According to a report by NITI Aayog and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), India is the country with the largest economic and health costs associated with lead poisoning.