What is lead?
Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, it can be toxic to humans and animals causing negative health effects.
Is lead harmful?
Lead is very harmful. Whether it's a small amount of lead and short term exposure or a high amount exposure for a longer period of time. Lead can affect any part of the body and lead can get into your system simply by breathing in lead dust or even absorbing it through your skin. Small amounts of lead may not be noticeable at first, however, even small amounts of lead can cause lower IQ's, anemia and more.
Where is lead found?
Lead can be found in all parts of the environment – the air, the soil, the water, and even inside homes. Much of lead exposure comes from human activities including the use of fossil fuels. In the past leaded gasoline has been used. Some types of industrial facilities have equipment that contains lead. Use of lead-based paint in homes. Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products found in and around homes, including paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics. Lead was a commonly used metal, however, scientists have been finding that lead can cause a number of severe health issues that need to be addressed.
Chemistry behind lead
Lead is a chemical element in the carbon group with symbol Pb from the Latin word, plum-bum, and has an atomic number of 82. It is a soft, malleable, heavy and a post-transition metal. It was discovered an unrecorded time ago. (a specific number is unlikely to be 100% accurate)
It has been used in pipes since ancient Rome. The Romans used lead pipes to drain their baths. However, at this time they were unaware of the health effects of lead.
It has been used in pipes since ancient Rome. The Romans used lead pipes to drain their baths. However, at this time they were unaware of the health effects of lead.
Before reading more...
Below is one of my favorite shows, Last week tonight with John Oliver, he did a large portion of this episode on lead and how it is effecting our health. Please take the time to watch this video, it's worth the time and you will not be disappointed, in fact, I promise you will learn something.
The video below is a video on how to test for blood lead levels, it is very simple and perhaps over explained in this video. Nevertheless, this video is informational and is very fitting to this website.