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6 Facts You May Have Not Known About Lead & Lead Inspections





Lead is one of the most popular elements on the periodic table. Lead has been seen in a negative light for some years now, but little do many know lead has been used for TOUSANDS of years. The characteristics of lead are: soft, low melting point, not as easy to corrode, easy to mold and or shape and is VERY useful. The extraction of lead is easy and relative cheap when compared to most metals. Below are 6 facts you may have not known about lead.


1. Lead Characteristics


Lead is extracted from galena or lead sulfide, again very easy to extract. The melting point of lead is 621.4 degrees F. The melting point for STEEL is 2500-2800 and pure iron 1535 degrees C. Melting lead is as easy as starting a fire and throwing the lead in the hot ashes. In comparison to other metals, lead has a significantly lower melting point. Making lead easy to manipulate.


2. The use of lead since prehistory


Researchers believe lead was used in the late 4000 BC days, tracing lead ores in the mountains of Turkey. The oldest artifact was discovered in Israel in 2012.


3. Lead is Poisonous to the Human Body


How does lead poisoning occur? Lead has a very similar chemical structure to calcium. With that being said lead can attach itself to the same proteins. As lead build up within your system, the lead element replaces the absorption of minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc and other nutrients and prevents proper absorption. This process creates a deficiency of various minerals creating serious health complications


4. Ancient Roman


During the Roman empire the ancient roman manufactured lead to make pipes, jugs, cooking products it was even used as a food sweetener. Yes, lead has a sweet taste which makes it attractive to babies and young toddlers. Rumor has it that Pope clement II died in 1047 of lead poisoning. Although, some say he was poisoned by his enemies.


5. Leads & Car engines


Lead is no longer used in gasoline. But at one point it was used in almost every car. General Motors discovered in 1921 that when you add lead to gasoline the lead reduced “engine knock, in cars. The additive of lead may have reduced engine knock which is a plus, the additive also caused damage the engine. Now of days ethanol and telluriom are used to reduce knocking.



6. Lead Paint

For years lead was used in paint. Home built prior to 1978 or even within the early 1980's may contain lead paint. Lead paint when ingested could cause serious health effects especially in developing children. Most home owners have lead testing or a lead inspection done on there home to determine if lead is present or make sure any flaking walls are scraped and painted.



Throughout the years many materials and elements have been flagged as causing health complications. Homeowners or investors can take precautions by hiring a lead inspector to perform a survey on the structure they plan to rent or occupy. Lead Inspectors are certified by the EPA. Lead inspections may consist of bulk sampling, Xray imaging and or dust sampling. Lead can be abated and or encapsulated.

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