Lead (Pb)

• Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in Earth’s crust.
• Lead in the body is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it can accumulate over time.
• It is poor conductor of heat and do not react with water.
• Lead exhibits zero Thomson effect, meaning it neither absorbs nor releases heat when an electrical current passes through it
• It is a dull-looking soft, malleable heavy metal that turns from a shiny blue-white when freshly cut to a dull gray when oxidized
• Mining and smelting, recycling of electronic waste and lead-acid batteries, plumbing, toys, lead paint are some of the sources of lead exposure.
• Lead exposure causes damage to child’s brain and nervous system, anaemia, hypertension, toxicity to reproductive organs etc.
• Most of the lead produced today comes from recycled batteries.
• Lead (pb) is an element with atomic number 82.
• Lead can enter drinking water when a chemical reaction occurs in plumbing materials that contain lead.
  • This is known as corrosion – dissolving or wearing away of metal from the pipes and fixtures.
  • This reaction is more severe when water has high acidity or low mineral content.

Latest News

• 17 May 2024:
  • Scientists have developed an affordable sensor for detecting and measuring lead concentrations in water.