Lead is a moderately active metal. It dissolves slowly in water and in most cold acids. It reacts more rapidly with hot acids. It does not react with oxygen in the air readily and does not burn.

It tarnishes on contact with moist air and takes on a dull appearance, the hue of which depends on the prevailing conditions. Characteristic properties of lead include high density, malleability, ductility, and high resistance to corrosion due to passivation.

But they react with steam to form the metal oxide and hydrogen. Metals such as lead, copper, silver and gold do not react with water at all.

Lead is a reactive metal, but its reactivity is somewhat inhibited by the formation of an outer skin of protective compounds. For example, when a freshly cut piece of lead metal is exposed to the air, it quickly reacts with oxygen to form a thin outer layer of lead oxide.

Lead metal reacts vigorously with fluorine, F2, at room temperature and chlorine, Cl2, on warming to form the poisonous dihalides lead(II) fluoride, PbF2, and lead(II) chloride, PbCl2, respectively.

Lead Properties – What are the Physical Properties of Lead?

• Color : Bluish-White.
• Malleability : Capable of being shaped or bent.
• Conductivity : Poor transmission of heat or electricity.
• Softness : Relatively Soft.
• Tensile : It can be stretched without breaking.
• Luster : A shine or glow.

Most lead is obtained by roasting galena in hot air, although nearly one third of the lead used in the United States is obtained through recycling efforts. Lead is a soft, malleable and corrosion resistant material. The ancient Romans used lead to make water pipes, some of which are still in use today.

Lead is a bluish-white lustrous metal. It is very soft, highly malleable, ductile, and a relatively poor conductor of electricity. It is very resistant to corrosion but tarnishes upon exposure to air.

Lead is still widely used for car batteries, pigments, ammunition, cable sheathing, weights for lifting, weight belts for diving, lead crystal glass, radiation protection and in some solders. It is often used to store corrosive liquids.

At high levels of exposure, lead attacks the brain and central nervous system to cause coma, convulsions and even death. Children who survive severe lead poisoning may be left with mental retardation and behavioural disorders.

Acute Poisoning signs and symptoms

• Pain.
• Muscle weakness.
• Paraesthesia (sensation of “pins” and “needles”)
• Abdominal pain.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea,
• Constipation.

A simple blood test can detect lead poisoning. A small blood sample is taken from a finger prick or from a vein. Lead levels in the blood are measured in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL). There is no safe blood level of lead.

Lead poisoning usually happens due to prolonged exposure at home, work or daycare. Lead poisoning usually takes months or years of exposure to a small amount of lead at home, work or daycare. When exposed to large amounts of lead, it can quickly lead to lead poisoning (acute poisoning).