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Lead

The element lead was an important metal in plumbing for the Roman Empire. Pipes bearing the Roman emperors' insignia exist even today.

Although not overly abundant in nature, lead is frequently used in industry. Many of us are familiar with the lead batteries in vehicles, and possibly the use of lead in previous years as an additive in paints and gasoline. The adverse environmental effects of these applications have banned its use in these products. The current use of the lead-tin alloy in solder is closely monitored.

Because of its soft, highly malleable and ductile nature, lead is also used in cable coverings. It is a poor conductor of electricity with great resistance to corrosion, thereby making it a suitable material for this purpose.

Lead is not considered a radiation hazard like many of the other heavy elements. In fact, this element is known to be an excellent radiation shield. For those who constantly work with radioactive materials and X-ray sources in the medical and nuclear industry, radiation can pose a serious hazard. Therefore, lead shields surround X-ray equipment and nuclear reactors.