Because of the toxic characteristics of lead, the lead industry is potentially faced with a significant constriction of its future markets if it fails to satisfy regulators and communities that its products will be dealt with in ways that offer the highest level of safety. Legislation banning various lead products in different countries continues to expand, particularly within Europe. Denmark has banned the use of lead compounds. The lead industry is currently coordinating (through the London-based Lead Development Association International) the voluntary lead risk assessment in Europe. This assessment is providing valuable research data associated with the ecotoxicity of lead. Building on this, and addressing the issue of changing and improving practices associated with lead, the green lead project is being created as a product stewardship initiative of the lead industry. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.