Lead: Difference between revisions
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'''Lead''' is a ductile, very soft, highly malleable, bluish-white [[metal]], which has been used by mankind for over 7,000 years. The [[Latin]] word for lead is ''plumbum'' and hence its atomic symbol is ''Pb'', and it is from the use of lead for pipes that we get the word ''plumbing''. |
'''Lead''' is a ductile, very soft, highly malleable, bluish-white [[metal]], which has been used by mankind for over 7,000 years. The [[Latin]] word for lead is ''plumbum'' and hence its atomic symbol is ''Pb'', and it is from the use of lead for pipes that we get the word ''plumbing''. |
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Lead is too soft to be used as a cutting edge and heavy to be used as armour. However, it does not [[rust]] when exposed to [[water]] (only when exposed to certain [[acid]]s), and is therefore highly useful in a variety of roles. Lead sheeting was often used to roof buildings, for instance. The [[Rome|Romans]] used lead oxide as a sweetener in [[wine]]. |
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[[Firearm]] projectiles (whether bullet or ball) have traditionally been made of lead for maximum weight and stopping power. Even modern firearms use lead bullets (typically copper- or nickel-jacketed for added efficiency). |
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Unfortunately '''lead is poisonous''' in the extreme. Long-term lead poisoning leads to a variety of symptoms including reduced mental capacity, anemia, bipolar behaviour, gastrointestinal distress, and the formation of a tell-tale bluish line along the gums (called a Burtons's Line). In extreme cases, lead poisoning causes seizures and [[death]]. Children are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning. For this reason, lead is not commonly used in the modern world (excepting bullets), although chemical compounds containing lead are sometimes used. |
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==See Also== |
==See Also== |
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Revision as of 01:03, 24 April 2006
Lead is a ductile, very soft, highly malleable, bluish-white metal, which has been used by mankind for over 7,000 years. The Latin word for lead is plumbum and hence its atomic symbol is Pb, and it is from the use of lead for pipes that we get the word plumbing.
Lead is too soft to be used as a cutting edge and heavy to be used as armour. However, it does not rust when exposed to water (only when exposed to certain acids), and is therefore highly useful in a variety of roles. Lead sheeting was often used to roof buildings, for instance. The Romans used lead oxide as a sweetener in wine.
Firearm projectiles (whether bullet or ball) have traditionally been made of lead for maximum weight and stopping power. Even modern firearms use lead bullets (typically copper- or nickel-jacketed for added efficiency).
Unfortunately lead is poisonous in the extreme. Long-term lead poisoning leads to a variety of symptoms including reduced mental capacity, anemia, bipolar behaviour, gastrointestinal distress, and the formation of a tell-tale bluish line along the gums (called a Burtons's Line). In extreme cases, lead poisoning causes seizures and death. Children are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning. For this reason, lead is not commonly used in the modern world (excepting bullets), although chemical compounds containing lead are sometimes used.
