Lead

:Pb redirects here. For PB as an abbreviation, go to PB.

Applications

• Lead is a major constituent of the Lead-acid battery, used as car batteries.
• Lead was used as a white pigment in Lead paint.
• Lead is used as a coloring element in ceramic glazes.
• Lead was used for plumbing in Ancient Rome, and lead sticks were used as pencils (for the last 450 years they've been made with graphite).
• Because of its density, fishing sinkers are made from lead, as are projectiles for shotguns, handguns, and rifles.
• Lead is used in some candles to treat the wick to ensure a longer, more even burn. Because of the dangers, European and North American manufacturers use more expensive alternatives such as zinc. http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn2427
• Lead is used as shielding from radiation.
• Lead glass is comprised of 12-28% lead. It changes the optical characteristics of the glass and reduces the transmission of radiation.
• Tetraethyl lead has been used in leaded fuels to reduce engine knocking. Due to health concerns, this is no longer common practice in the Western World.
• Lead is used as electrodes in the process of electrolysis