Lead (/lɛd/) is a chemical element in the carbon group with symbol Pb (from Latin:plumbum) and atomic number 82. Lead is a soft, malleable and heavy post-transition metal. Metallic lead has a bluish-white color after being freshly cut, but it soon tarnishes to a dull grayish color when exposed to air.
Three reasons Lead stands out
- 1
Toxic metal, used against radiation.
- 2
Romans used it extensively in pipes and cooking vessels, and its Latin name is the origin of the word "plumbing."
- 3
Its organic compound was added to petrol for decades as an anti-knock agent before its severe health risks led to a global ban.
A useful shield with a neurological cost
Lead is dense, easy to shape, and effective at absorbing radiation and vibration. Those conveniences put it into pipes, paints, fuel, batteries, and buildings for centuries. Because the body mistakes lead for useful metals, even modest exposure can disrupt brain development; there is no known safe level for children.