Lead (Pb)
Lead: The Soft, Versatile, and Toxic Metal
Lead is a soft, dense, silvery-gray metal that can be easily shaped into sheets. It resists corrosion, which is why it was used for centuries in pipes, paints, and everyday objects. But lead is also highly toxic, especially to children, so many of its traditional uses have been banned.
Why Is Lead Still Used?
Even though its use is restricted, lead’s special properties make it valuable in certain areas:
Batteries: Lead is the key ingredient in lead–acid batteries, still common in cars, backup power systems, and telecommunications because they’re cheap, reliable, and deliver a strong current.
Radiation Shielding: Because it’s so dense, lead blocks radiation. It’s used in x-ray aprons, medical imaging machines, and nuclear facilities.
Ammunition & Weights: Lead is ideal for bullets, shotgun pellets, and fishing sinkers because it’s heavy and easy to shape.
Alloys & Architecture: Lead is found in solders, pewter, roofing, and stained glass windows, where its durability and flexibility are still useful.
Biological Role & Natural Abundance
Lead has no role in living organisms. In fact, it’s a neurotoxin—it builds up in the body and can cause brain damage, especially in children.
The main lead ore is galena (PbS). Today, much of the world’s lead supply is recycled—about 40% in the UK comes from scrap batteries. Pure lead is extracted by roasting galena, which removes impurities and leaves molten lead that can be poured into molds.
A Glimpse into History
Lead has been mined and used for over 6,000 years.
Ancient Uses: The Romans used lead for water pipes, coins, and tableware, while the Greeks made white lead, a pigment used in paint for over 2,000 years.
Middle Ages: Lead appeared in pottery glazes, printing type, and bullets.
Modern Times: In the 20th century, lead was added to gasoline to improve engine performance. However, due to its toxicity, leaded petrol has been banned worldwide.