 Discovery Information |
| Who: Known to the ancients. |
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| Name Origin |
| Latin: plumbum. |
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| Sources |
| Lead occurs rarely in nature. The main lead mineral is galena (PbS) (which is 86.6% lead). Lead is also found in ore with zinc, silver and (most abundantly) copper. |
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| Uses |
| Used in solder, as a colouring agent in ceramic glazes (red and yellow), shielding against radiation, in batteries and ammunition. |
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| Notes |
| Lead is extremely toxic, but its effects are accumulative and most often develop after extended exposure. Lead affects the nervous system, causing mental retardation or other nervous disorders. It also affects other organs of the body. People suffering from lead poisoning may exhibit weakness, general disability, nervous disorders and eventual death. Children are most susceptable, partly because they have rapid motabolism and are small and partly because of their habits. They chew on things that might contain lead paint and play on floors and ground that might be contaminated, often putting their fingers in their mouth. |
| Lead is a poisonous metal that can damage nervous connections and cause blood and brain disorders. A classic example of lead poisoning occurred in the early 1900's, but the cause of death was only recently determined. A large number of explorer families traveled to Alaska. The guide who escorted them contacted many different suppliers for provisions. He got a really good deal on canned food that he couldn't refuse. They set out on their journey and were never heard from again. Searchers never found any survivors. Years later someone decided to find out what happened. Bodies were found along with provisions. As it turned out, the cans had been sealed with lead solder. All of the human remains were wery high in lead content. They had, in fact, all died of lead poisoning. |
