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Lead is a chemical element; it has symbol Pb (from Latin plumbum) and atomic number 82. It is a heavy metal that is denser than most common materials. Lead is soft and malleable, and also has a relatively low melting point. When freshly cut, lead is a shiny gray with a hint of blue.
Lead occurs in drinking water through leaching from lead-containing pipes, faucets, and solder frequently found in the plumbing of older buildings. Lead in lead-glazed food containers may contaminate water, food, and beverages without being seen, tasted, or smelled.
- What Is Lead?
- Where Is Lead Found?
- Who Is at Risk?
- Lead Exposure Data
- What Are The Health Effects of Lead?
- Lower Your Chances of Exposure to Lead
- What Do I Do If I Think My Child Or I Have Been Exposed to 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 health effects.
Lead can be found in all parts of our environment – the air, the soil, the water, and even inside our homes. Much of our exposure comes from human activities including the use of fossil fuels including past use of leaded gasoline, some types of industrial facilities and past use of lead-based paint in homes. Lead and lead compounds have been used i...
Children
Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Babies and young children can also be more highly exposed to lead because they often put their hands and other objects that can have lead from dust or soil on them into their mouths. Children may also be exposed to lead by eating and drinking food or water containing lead or from dishes or glasses that...
Adults, Including Pregnant Women
Adults may be exposed to lead by eating and drinking food or water containing lead or from dishes or glasses that contain lead. They may also breath lead dust by spending time in areas where lead-based paint is deteriorating, and during renovation or repair work that disturbs painted surfaces in older homes and buildings. Working in a job or engaging in hobbies where lead is used, such as making stained glass, can increase exposure as can certain folk remedies containing lead. A pregnant woma...
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics monitors blood lead levels in the United States. Get information on the number of children with elevated blood lead levels, and number and percentage of children tested for lead in your area. According to CDC (PDF) 1. The most important step parents, d...
Lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body. Children six years old and younger are most susceptible to the effects of lead.
Simple steps like keeping your home clean and well-maintained will go a long way in preventing lead exposure. You can lower the chances of exposure to lead in your home, both now and in the future, by taking these steps: 1. Inspect and maintain all painted surfaces to prevent paint deterioration. 2. Address water damage quickly and completely. 3. K...
Talk to your pediatrician, general physician, or local health agency about what you can do. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to check you or your child for lead exposure. You may also want to test your home for sources of lead. 1. Take this postcardwith you to your child’s next appointment and ask your medical provider to give them a blood le...
Sep 27, 2024 · Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth’s crust. Its widespread use has resulted in extensive environmental contamination, human exposure and significant public health problems in many parts of the world.
Sep 24, 2024 · Lead, a soft, silvery white or grayish metal in Group 14 (IVa) of the periodic table. Lead is very malleable, ductile, and dense and is a poor conductor of electricity. Known in antiquity and believed by the alchemists to be the oldest of metals, lead is highly durable and resistant to corrosion.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Nov 14, 2017 · Topics. Chemicals & pollution action. Download. Lead: What are the sources of lead in the environment? English. Learn about our work. Sign up for updates. Get involved. Lead is a widely used metal that is harmful to human health and the environment.
Feb 8, 2024 · Low-income communities and populations of color face the highest levels of lead exposure nationwide, primarily because of the environments and homes they live in, many of which are located...
