Lead concentrations in mineral salt sold in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil were measured. Lead was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Eleven out of 19 mineral mixtures samples presented lead levels higher than 30ppm, the highest tolerated level according to the NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (1980). Lead concentrations ranged from 1.7 to 460ppm with the highest found in a sample commercialized in Paranaíba. These findings show the necessity for careful industrial monitoring because some mineral mixtures contain sufficient lead to cause toxicity.
evaluation; lead; mineral salt; cattle