Question

Write four paragraphs (at least a page) talking about LEAD.

a. Define LEAD, the means of transportation and transformation of LEAD, the sources of LEAD and the effects it has on human beings and the enviroment.

Answer 1

Lead is given the symbol Pb (as it is plumbum in Latin) and the atomic number is 82 with the electronic configuration of [Xe] 4f^14 5d^10 6s^2 6p^2. It falls into group 14 in the periodic table, the same group as Carbon, and belongs to tyhe 6th period. Lead is a grey metal, but this is the tarnished form. When not exposed to air, lead is white (with a blue tinge). lead has 4 main isotopes all of which are stable, Pb 204,206,207 and 208.

Lead has 2 commonly occuring oxidation staes Pb(II) which forms ionic compounds and Pb (IV) which usually forms covalent compounds. It should also be noted that as lead occurs in the same group as carbon the Pb(IV) oxidation state can form chains like those of hydrocarbons.

Lead is poisonous to humans. The main sources of lead contamination are as listed below.

• Lead can seep into drinking water. Although lead pipes are not used anymore, lead can seep into water through solders and joints in pipelines.
• Lead based paint is banned in some countries. However, toys and ornaments may contain lead based paints and get into countries in which the paints are banned.
• Lead is used to stabilize palstics and may be present especially in toys.

Lead is especially poisonos to children as it causes brain damage and shows no significant symptoms. In general lead causes brain, nervous system and kidney damage.

Lead is mainly released to the environment through lead acid batteries, ammunition, paints, and vehicle emmissions. Lead destroys micro organisma and halts decomposition as well as destroys flora and fauna.