The great disadvantage of lead (Pb) has always been that it is poisonous. This was fully recognized by the ancients, and Vitruvius specifically warns against its use.
A study, published in a 2003 issue of Human Reproduction, states that lead may be behind a fifth of unexplained male infertility cases. For the first time, researchers say they’ve found evidence that even low-level lead exposure may damage sperm and contribute to male infertility....