In addition, lead glazes are used to encapsulate and protect the electronic microcircuits from atmospheric corrosion. NASA's space shuttle uses lead-alloy solder of connecting transistors, relays and other electronic components because it is the most reliable way of soldering materials together. Lead alloy solders enable your computer to send electronic data and lead is the glue that binds our electronic world together. Without the use of lead solders and leaded glass you would not be able to safely sit in front of your computer. Lead plays a vital role in electronic industry, in space exploration and telecommunications. More than 95% of the batteries used in the automotive industry are recycled. Lead has the highest recycling rate of all industrial metals in the world because lead is easily re-melted and refined. A small amount is used to make protective aprons for patients having x-rays to shield the body from excess radiation exposure. Another twenty percent of the lead is used in electronics and communications (cell phone batteries, for example), ammunition, television glass, construction and protective coatings. More than seventy six percent of the lead consumed annually is used to make batteries for cars, trucks and other vehicles. Lead and zinc are formed in the same types of ore deposits. followed by Canada, which is the second largest producer of lead. Lead mines in Missouri, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho and Montana produce the majority of lead recovered in the U.S. Non-toxic titanium compounds have replaced lead used in paints. Paint was washed regularly, and turned black again within a few days. After one week of exposure to the sulphur in the air (from coal fires and industry) the paint turned completely black due to the white lead altering the into galena (lead sulphide). In Britain, people would use white lead paint, on window frames and doors. Most old buildings dating back 100 years or more, used lead. After a while, white substance (white lead) would emerge on the surface and this was scraped off the metal and used as paint. Pieces of lead were placed on top of a cask containing a solution of vinegar with branches of shrubs arranged over the solution and the cask was covered tight. Three thousand years ago people used lead to make paint. However, tetraethyl lead has been eliminated from gasoline products because of the tremendous amounts of lead discharged by engines into the atmosphere. Tetraethyl (anti-knock) lead was added to gasoline to prevent detonations and ensured that the fuel burned evenly. Before gasoline is ignited in the engine, it is compressed, but under heavy compression the gasoline detonates without having been ignited. At one time, the fuel industry was among the major users of lead. As a result, its use in some applications has been discontinued. Elevated levels and long term exposure of lead is linked to blood and kidney problems, as well as neurological disorders. In nuclear power reactors, glass containing lead monoxide is used to protect against radioactive radiation.Įxposure to even small amounts of lead can be harmful since lead has no use in the body. As well, x-ray protection such as aprons and gloves are made of lead, which traps dangerous x-rays and gamma radiation. Metallic lead is used to safely store radioactive materials due to its capability to absorb radiation from the radioactive isotopes. However, it is also interesting to note that lead is not only poisonous, but also offers protection. Major radioactive elements (such as uranium) break down and create lead as one of their end products. Lead is poisonous if exposed to large amounts. Red lead is used as a protective coating and Litharge, an oxide of lead, is utilized for making glass, ceramics and varnishes. White lead was mainly used to make paints because of its opacity and it was preserved for a longer period of time. The main three forms of compounds of lead are white lead, red lead and litharge. The most common lead mineral is lead sulphide, (galena). Lead combines with other elements to form a variety of interesting minerals. The properties of lead which make it an excellent material for many applications are its density, high level of stability, and it has high degree of flexibility, which makes it easy to work. The English word plumber and pluming are derived from the Latin word for lead, plumbum. Water pipes in ancient Rome, some of which still carry water, were made of lead. Since it is so soft, lead is usually alloyed with other elements. Lead is a very soft, bluish-gray, metallic element. By: Peter Russell and Tharsika Tharmanathan Lead
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