Submitted To: Mr. Halpin

Submitted By: Jocelyn

Lead Poisoning/Health Effects

Lead is a poisonous metal. Before the 20th century, we did not know that lead was quite poisonous and that it was safe to use. Now we know that lead is toxic, it is not used as much. It can damage nerve connections and cause brain and blood disorders. We can be exposed to lead through these routes: inhalation, ingestion, and skin or eye contact. When in our bodies, it can affect these organs: eyes, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, kidneys, blood, and gingival tissue. Lead causes serious damage to our nervous system and our brains. Lead poisoning is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the lead in our bodies.

Lead Consumption

Lead Pictures

Sources Of Lead

Lead is found mostly in ores called galena. It is also found in pyromorphite, boulangerite and cerussite ores. The entire world's production of lead is around 2 800 000 tons per year. USA, Australia, Mexico, Germany and France are all primary mining areas. 

The Discovery of Lead

Lead's discovery is unknown. Only the ancients know who it is and when it was discovered. The origin of the symbol for lead (Pb) is from the Latin word plumbum for soft metals. Metallic lead beads have been found in Çatalhöyük (modern-day Turkey) dating back to 6400 B.C.