Salt prevents decay. It protects us from harm. Both Jews and Muslims believe that salt protects against the evil eye. Modern geology has revealed that almost no place on earth is without salt. Until the twentieth century this was not known to those who searched desperately for, traded and fought wars over this most sought-after commodities. Goverments world over taxed it to raise money for their armies and cities. To the Romans, salt was a necessary part of empire building. The Roman army sometimes even paid their soldiers in salt, which was the origin of the word salary and the expression "earning his salt". In this issue we take a close look at a very common but essential mineral that we need in our lives. We also examine the dangers that lurk behind those bright and colourful plastic toys children love to play with. After all we all need to be informed and aware consumers in today’s world and cannot afford to let toy manufacturers play with our health.