I understand one of the major processors of propolis for semi-medicinal
   uses had a problem with lead being found in one of their products.
 
   The explanation I heard is that the propolis had been processed from
   "hive scrapings" which had bits of old (lead bearing) paint in them.
 
 
   Regarding the potential for bees to pick up contaminants from their
   surroundings, Jerry Bromenshenk at the U of Montana has done a lot of
   work on this over several years.
   My recollection of his summary is that bees are "flying dust mops" that
   tend to pick up and store in "pollen", their bodies or hive wax,
   whatever particulate contaminant that is in their foraging area. Honey
   is generally not one of the products with higher levels of these
   contaminants, owing to their lipid solubility (and likely the much
   greater leaching effect by environmental water, of water soluble
   contaminants).
 
 
   Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist
   B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
   1201 103 Ave
   Dawson Creek B.C.
        V1G 4J2  CANADA          Tel (604) 784-2225     fax (604) 784-2299
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