What is lead?
Lead is a metallic chemical element which is classified among the poor metals of the periodic table of elements. It has a wide range of historical and current applications, and many consumers own products which contain lead. This element does not typically appear in a pure form in nature; it is extracted from galena, a mineral with a high lead content, through a smelting process. Lead is sometimes also associated in nature with silver and gold, two other highly useful metals. Humans have been using lead for thousands of years. Because lead is extremely soft, it is very easy to work, and early metalsmiths could manipulate lead with minimal heat. Numerous cultural artifacts contain lead, often in the form of metal alloys, and the ancients were obviously very familiar with the metal, though unfortunately not with its negative health effects. One of the most infamous historical uses of lead was in Roman plumbing and pewter, an alloy which was used to make many household goods including cup
Lead is a metal found in the earth, and it is a poison. For years, lead was used in paint, gasoline, plumbing and many other items. Lead is practically everywhere in today’s environment. It enters our bodies from many sources including defective glazes (pottery), drinking water, contaminated soil, airborne particulate, leaded gasoline, paint and several other sources. There is no safe age to be exposed to lead. Adults can have problems from lead poisoning, but it is most harmful to children younger than age 6 (especially those younger than age 3) because it can permanently affect their growth and development. A pregnant woman who is exposed to lead can pass it to her unborn baby (fetus). Lead can also be passed to a baby through the mother’s breast milk.
