By: Vishal K. Narang

#71243

General Information

• The symbol, Pb, stands for plumbum.

• The atomic number is 82.

• Lead has an atomic mass of 207.2 grams.

• Lead has 82 protons, 82 electrons, and 125 neutrons.

Physical Properties• The normal state of Lead, is in a solid state of matter.

• The density is 11.34  g·cm−3

• The liquid density is

• The melting point of Lead is at 600.61K, or 621.43 degrees Fahrenheit.

• The boiling point of lead is at 2022K, 3180 degrees Fahrenheit.

Notable Characteristics

• Lead has a very poor electrical conductivity.

• The true metal is very resistant to corrosion.

• It is very soft and highly malleable.

• Lead can be toughened when Sb, antimony, is added.

History• Lead has been around for thousands of

years.

• Uses of lead can be traced back to the Bronze Age.

• The word ‘plumbing’ is derived from the Latin root, plumbum, which is the name for lead.

• Lead is a very toxic substance.

Health Effects• Lead is a very poisonous material that can

damage nervous connections and can cause blood and brain disorders.

• Lead is considered to be especially harmful for females, as it may harm their ability to reproduce.

• Lead exposure has been linked to schizophrenia and dementia.

Common Uses of Lead

• Lead is present in the ‘lead-acid battery’ which is used for car batteries.

• Lead is used as a protection from radiation.• Lead is also used in some candles to ensure that

the wick burns for a longer period of time.• Lead is used as projectiles for firearms.• Lead sheets are used as a roofing material.

Former Uses of Lead• Lead was used as a pigment in lead paint for

white, yellow, and red colors.• Lead was used for plumbing in Ancient Rome.• Lead was used to make bullets for slings.• Lead was also used as food and drink

preservatives back in Ancient Rome.• Lead was also a major component in toys.

Facts about Lead• Lead exposure can harm young children and

babies even before they are born.  • Even children who seem healthy can have high

levels of lead in their bodies.  • You can get lead in your body by breathing or

swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead. 

• You have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard. 

• Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family. 

Sources

• http://www.unctad.org/infocomm/anglais/lead/sitemap.htm

• http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm

• http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/lead/