Lead - 82Pb: uses
The following uses for lead are gathered from a number of sources as well as from anecdotal comments. I would be delighted to receive corrections as well as additional referenced uses.
- the metal and the dioxide are used in storage batteries
- cable covering, plumbing, ammunition
- manufacture of PbEt4 - an antiknock compound in petrol. Environmental concern with lead poisoning, (and cheaper unleaded petrol prices) is slowly resulting in less use of lead in petrol
- the metal is very effective as a sound absorber
- a radiation shield around X-ray equipment and nuclear reactors
- used extensively in paints, although recently the use of lead in paints has been drastically curtailed to eliminate or reduce health hazards
- the oxide is used in producing fine "crystal glass" and "flint glass" with a high refractive index for achromatic lenses
- solder
- used by the Romans for plumbing (the decline of the Roman empire is attributed to lead in the water supply!)
- used to contain corrosive liquids
- alloying
- cable covering
- ammunition
- shield against X-rays
- oxide used to produce crystal glass
- insecticides