Environmental and Health Concerns of Lead Metal
Table of Contents
Introduction
In different types of metal lead is the best known metal among them. Freshly cut lead has a shiny, bluish-grey color in appearance, is a chemical element represented by the symbol Pb and possesses the atomic number 82. It is a very dense and heavy metal that possesses various applications. Similarly, lead is used widely in batteries and offers numerous advantages. It also has some disadvantages for the environment and health. Despite this, its unique properties make it very demanding and useful.
The scrap metal prices are well explained by the metalswiki, here we explained the up-to-date prices if metals. Lead is considered scrap metal when it is no longer in use and is being recycled or discarded.
Sources of lead scrap metal
- Old batteries (especially lead-acid batteries)
- Roofing materials
- Plumbing pipes
- Cable sheathing
- Radiation shielding from medical or industrial equipment
Properties of Lead
Like other metals, lead possesses different physical and chemical properties. Some important physical and chemical properties are tabulated below;
Physical properties:
Lead is a dense, soft, bluish-grey metal well known for its malleability and resistance to corrosion. It is one of the first metals used by humans thousands of years ago.
Symbol | Pb |
|---|---|
Atomic Number | 82 |
Electronegativity | 1.8 |
Number of Isotopes | 13 |
Melting Point | 600.61 K (327.46 °C, 621.43 °F) |
Boiling Point | 2022 K (1749 °C, 3180 °F) |
Density (at 20 °C) | 11.348 g/cm3 |
Heat of Fusion | 4.77 kJ/mol |
Heat of Vaporization | 179.5 kJ/mol |
Atomic Weight | 207.2 g/mol |
Applications of Lead Metal: Where and How It’s Used
Despite its toxicity, due to its unique physical and chemical properties, lead remains an essential industrial metal. Here are some important applications of lead;
Lead-Acid Batteries
The largest use of lead worldwide is in lead-acid batteries. These batteries are crucial for automobiles, backup power systems, and renewable energy systems.Lead-acid batteries are valued for their recyclability, low cost and reliable performance under high load demands.
Ammunition
Its density allows projectiles to maintain velocity and penetrate targets effectively. Lead remains a core component in the manufacturing of
- Bullets
- Fishing sinkers
- Shotgun pellets
Weights and Balancing
The density of lead makes it perfect for adding weight where needed.
- Diving weights for scuba divers
- Balancing weights in vehicle wheels
- Counterweights in machinery, elevators, and cranes
- Ballasts in sailboats and yachts
Cable Sheathing and Wiring
In some industries, lead is used to sheath electrical cables because of its;
1. High density and resistance to corrosion
2. Protection against environmental factors like chemicals and soil conditions
3. Flexibility for forming tight seals around cables
5. Alloys
Lead alloys are very important because they improve the performance and quality of any material. These alloys are particularly important in precision engineering and the manufacturing of small, intricate parts. For example
- Leaded brass and bronze are used in plumbing fittings and valves
- Lead in steel to enhance free-cutting properties
Environmental Impact of Lead
Lead is a toxic metal even at low exposure levels. Like some other metals, it does not serve any beneficial biological function in the human body. Both direct and indirect exposure can cause severe harm to humans and the environment.
Soil Contamination:
Lead can stay in soil for a very long time, sometimes for decades. It often gets into the soil from things like:
- Old paint that has peeled off buildings
- Pollution from factories
- Exhaust from cars that used leaded petrol in the past
When lead is in the soil:
- It badly affects the growth of plants
- People, especially children, can accidentally swallow lead dust while playing outside, which is very harmful
Water Pollution:
Lead can get into water from:
- Old pipes made of lead
- Factories that release waste into rivers and lakes
When water is contaminated with lead:
- Animals and plants living in the water can also be affected
- It can harm people’s health, especially children and pregnant women.
- Lead-contaminated water is not safe for drinking and cooking purposes.
Air Pollution:
In the past, led patrol vehicles were used for smoothness. Once lead is exposed in the air, it does not disappear; it remains in the air and revolves around us in tiny particles. Lead has a greater effect on children because their bodies easily absorb lead into their bloodstream. Reducing air pollution from lead is important for keeping both people and the environment healthy. This usually happens when;
- Factories melt or process lead.
- By burning old materials like painted wood, wires, and batteries
- Recycling plants handle old batteries or scrap metal.
Health Effects of Lead Exposure
A very small amount of lead is very harmful to health. Headline some major health effects discussed;
- Neurological damage
- Kidney damage
- Cardiovascular issues
- Reproductive damages
Workers in lead-related industries, pregnant women, and children under 6 years old are badly affected by lead exposure.
How to Protect Yourself from Lead Exposure
Lead is still used in old buildings and industries. Here is how you can keep yourself and your family protected from lead hazards.
- Keep water safe, and use certified water filters to remove lead.
- If you work in construction, lead recycling, or other jobs involving lead, always wear protective gear, lead masks and gloves.
- Change clothes and shower after work to avoid bringing lead dust into your house.
- Use grass, mulch, or gravel to keep children from playing directly in contaminated soil.
5.Before eating fruits and vegetables, wash them properly to prevent contamination.
Special note! There is no safe way to protect yourself from lead exposure. However, taking small steps, as mentioned above, can save your and your loved ones’ health.
FAQs About Lead Metal
Yes, lead is mainly used in batteries, lead industrial products and radiation shielding. But these applications are not limited. Lead plays a very important role in many other fields.
Lead exposure can cause irreversible brain damage, developmental delays, and behavioural problems in children.
Yes! Certified filters can reduce lead levels in drinking water, but replacing lead plumbing is the best long-term solution.
Yes! Pets can be poisoned by chewing on things with lead paint, eating contaminated soil or drinking lead-contaminated water. Symptoms in pets include vomiting, seizures, and behavioural changes.
Various industries cause lead exposure and badly affect the health of workers! Industries with higher risks include:
- Battery manufacturing and recycling
- Construction and demolition of old buildings
- Metal smelting and refining
- Shooting ranges
- Radiator repair
- Ship-building
Yes, lead is considered scrap metal when it is no longer in use and is being recycled or discarded.
Sources of lead scrap metal
- Old batteries (especially lead-acid batteries)
- Roofing materials
- Plumbing pipes
- Cable sheathing
- Radiation shielding from medical or industrial equipment
