Is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Pb (Latin: plumbum)
and atomic number 82. A soft, heavy, toxic and malleable poor metal, lead is bluish
white when freshly cut but tarnishes to dull gray when exposed to air. Lead is used
in building construction, lead-acid batteries, bullets and shot, and is part of solder,
pewter, and fusible alloys. Lead has the highest atomic number of all stable elements -
although the next element, bismuth, has a half life so long it can be considered stable.
Like mercury, another heavy metal, lead is a potent neurotoxin which accumulates in soft
tissues and bone over time.
|