Lead (chemical symbol: Pb) is a soft, malleable metal characterized by its high density, poor electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion. Lead metal is used in a variety of application such as construction materials, batteries, metal alloys, and radiation shields, and in paint production for improved drying, increased stability, and corrosion resistance. Although lead-based paints have been discontinued since 1978, it may still be present in the form of lead chromate or lead carbonate as pigment additives.
When transmitted to the body via contaminated air, water, soil, food, or consumer products, lead acts as a neurotoxin affecting with the potential to affect all of the body’s functional organ systems. Similar to other contaminants, lead’s presence is tasteless, colorless, and odorless, thus the only reliable method of lead quantification is through laboratory testing. For more information on lead contamination, please visit the following two resources.
