By The Editors When we think epidemics, we think infectious pathogens.  However, there are other epidemics – one of them is the lead epidemic.  Lead poisoning accounts for at least 0.6% of the global burden of disease (WHO, 2009).  The Blacksmith Institute considers lead pollution one of the world’s worst pollution problems.  In much of the Western world, the problem is almost contained.  However, in countries with little regulation, there are devastating lead epidemics and, at times, lead outbreaks. Lead is a toxic, naturally occurring  heavy metal found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. Because of its abundance, low cost, and physical properties, lead and lead compounds have been used in…