Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)Urban Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) - EPA specified greatest potential health threat in urban areasMetals -> Lead Compounds, InorganicCarcinogensTrace element
SpringerMaterials Properties
electron density of states
Pesticides
Pesticide -> EPA IRIS
Density
11.3437 at 61 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than waterwill sink11.34 g/cm³11.3 @25 °C
Solubility
Insoluble (NTP, 1992)Solubility in water, g/l: (practically insoluble)
Endocrine Disruptors
Potential endocrine disrupting compound
Boiling point
3164 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)1740 °C1749 °C @760 [mm Hg]
Melting point
621.5 °F (NTP, 1992)621 °F327.5 °C327.462 °C
Vapor pressure
1.77 mmHg (NTP, 1992)0 mmHg (approx)
Physical Description
Soft silver-bluish white to gray metal. (NTP, 1992)Dry PowderWet SolidOther SolidLarge CrystalsCBIA heavy, ductile, soft, gray solidInorganic lead includes lead oxides, metallic lead, and lead salts (including organic salts such as lead soaps but excluding lead arsenate). [NIOSH]BLUE SILVERY-WHITE-TO-GREY POWDER.Soft silver-bluish white to gray metal.A heavy, ductile, soft, gray solid.
Safety & Regulations
GHS classification
DangerH360FD: May damage fertilityMay damage the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]P203, P260, P263, P264, P270, P273, P280, P318, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)
Regulatory information
Chemical: LeadLead is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Lead are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)Status: Active Update: 18-04-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/16063Restricted substance: LeadLead: HSNO Approval: HSR002809 Approved with controls
Other safety information
IMAP assessments - Lead: Human health tier II assessment
DOT label
Class 9
Fire hazards
Flash point data for this compound are not available, however, it is probably non-combustible. (NTP, 1992)Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
Health hazards
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Lead:
Hazards summary
Lead is a naturally occurring bluish-gray metal found in small amounts in the earth's crust. Lead can be found in all parts of our environment. Much of it comes from human activities including burning fossil fuels, mining, and manufacturing. Lead has many different uses. It is used in the production of batteries, ammunition, metal products (solder and pipes), and devices to shield X-rays. Because of health concerns, lead from gasoline, paints and ceramic products, caulking, and pipe solder has been dramatically reduced in recent years.CDC uses a blood lead reference value (BLRV) of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL) to identify children with higher levels of lead in their blood compared to most children. This level is based on the 97.5th percentile of the blood lead values among U.S. children ages 1""5 years from the 2015""2016 and 2017""2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles. Children with blood lead levels at or above the BLRV represent those at the top 2.5% with the highest blood lead levels. To learn more about CDC's updated recommendations on children's blood lead levels, please visit:http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/ACCLPP/blood_lead_levels.htm.
Lead is used in the manufacture of batteries, metal products and ammunition. Exposure to lead can occur from breathing contaminated air in or near workplaces that process lead or lead materials, as well as from incidentally ingesting dust or paint chips in houses with lead-based paint. Lead can cause effects on the blood, as well as the nervous, immune, renal and cardiovascular systems. Early childhood and prenatal exposures are associated with slowed cognitive development, learning deficits and other effects. Exposure to high amounts of lead can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, severely damage the brain and kidneys, and may cause reproductive effects. Large doses of some lead compounds have caused cancer in lab animals.
At blood lead levels above 900 ug/L (90 ug/dl), poisoning can cause acute lead encephalopathy. Peripheral neuropathy results from levels above 600 ug/L (60 ug/dl). Most reports of lead-related symptoms (fatigue, abdominal pain, and arthralgia) begin at blood levels greater than 600 ug/L. Typical concentrations of lead in surface water in the USA is between 5 and 30 ug/L. Typical intake of lead in the USA is 2 to 9 ug per day from food, water, and beverages. In an analysis of PbB and neurobehavioral test results from 40,000 participants from NHANES III, no statistically significant relationships between blood lead concentration and neurobehavioral test performance were found. . . . Tibia lead, representative of cortical bone, has a residence time of 25 to 30 years and serves as a biomarker of cumulative dose. . . . With additional study, lead in bone could be a viable measure of lead body burden, but at this point in time, the database is insufficient. [ACGIH: BEI Documentation] Heavy lead exposure causes anemia
Lead inhibits hemoglobin synthesis (ALAD and other enzymes), and also shortens lifespan of RBCs with resulting hemolysis. [Nordberg, p. 939-40] Exposure to high air concentrations of lead can precipitate hemolytic anemia. The anemia of chronic lead toxicity, the primary hematologic effect of lead exposures, is enhanced by shortened red cell survival as well as by inhibition of hemoglobin synthesis. [LaDou, p. 265] At blood levels above 50-60 ug/dl, suppression of heme synthesis causes anemia. [Rom, p. 978] Lead-exposed workers may develop proximal renal tubular damage and progressive renal insufficiency. [Rom, p. 966] Lead can produce slight hepatic injury in experimental animals. [Zimmerman, p. 419] There is strong positive data associating lead exposure with spontaneous abortions and prematurity in pregnant women, neurological dysfunction in children and decreased sperm counts in men. [ATSDR Case Studies #29] The OSHA standard requires periodic determination of blood lead in workers exposed at or above action level (30 ug/m3) for more than 30 days per year. [ATSDR ToxProfiles] About 90% of pre-1940 homes contain lead-based paints, while about 60% of 1960-1979 homes contain significant amounts of lead in paint. The use of lead piping and lead solder in plumbing has been prohibited since 1986. [Coluccio VM. Lead-Based Paint Hazards. Wiley, John & Sons
1997, p. 8-15] Inorganic lead compounds are probable human carcinogens. Organic lead compounds are not classifiable. [IARC] In contrast to inorganic lead, organic compounds are absorbed readily through the skin and into the CNS. [Sullivan, p. 979] Trabecular lead (measured in the patella) reflects exposure in the last 10 years, while cortical bone (measured in the mid-tibia) reflects lifetime exposure. [PMID 21788910] Tetraethyl & tetramethyl lead (CAS # 78-00-2 & 75-74-1) are covered separately.
Reactive group
Metals, Less Reactive
UN classification
UN Hazard Class: 9UN Pack Group: III
Reactivity Profile
In the presence of carbon, the combination of chlorine trifluoride with aluminum, copper, lead, magnesium, silver, tin, or zinc results in a violent reaction [Mellor 2, Supp. 1: 1956]. A solution of sodium azide in copper pipe with lead joints formed copper and lead azide, both are detonating compounds [Klotz 1973]. Sodium acetylide becomes pyrophoric when mixed with metals like lead. Mixtures of trioxane with 60% hydrogen peroxide in contact with metallic lead when heated detonated. Lead containing rubber ignited in a nitric acid atmosphere. Lead is incompatible with strong oxidants such as: ammonium nitrate, chlorine trifluoride, hydrogen peroxide, etc.
Chemical Dangers
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Reacts with strong oxidants and strong acids. This generates toxic, fire and explosion hazard.
Flammable Limits
Noncombustible Solid in bulk form.
Air and Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Fire fighting
Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.
First aid measures
Fresh air, rest. Refer immediately for medical attention.Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible).Rinse mouth. Refer immediately for medical attention.
First aid
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.(General first aid procedures)
Safe storage
Store only in original container. Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
Exposure control and personal protection
Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) [ACGIH] - Lead in blood = 200 ug/L (20 ug/100 ml)sampling time not criticalThe BEI cannot be applied to exposure to tetraethyl lead or other organic lead compounds. [TLVs and BEIs]0.004 [mg/m3], as Pb, inhalable fraction (excluding Lead Arsenate and Lead Chromate)[German Research Foundation (DFG)]
Nonfire spill response
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this chemical under refrigerated temperatures, and keep it away from oxidizing materials. (NTP, 1992)
Spillage disposal
Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]:
Eye Prevention
Wear safety spectacles.
Fire Prevention
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.
Inhalation Risk
A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.
Skin Prevention
Protective gloves.
Toxicological information
CDC-ATSDR Toxicological Profile
Target organs
Cancer, Developmental (effects while organs are developing), Hematological (Blood Forming), Neurological (Nervous System), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Reproductive (Producing Children)Eyes, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, kidneys, blood, gingival tissue
Adverse effects
Neurotoxin - Predominantly motor
Exposure routes
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment.
EPA IRIS Information
Lead and compounds (inorganic)
Carcinogen Classification
LeadGroup 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humansVolume 23: (1980) Some Metals and Metallic Compounds1987
RAIS Toxicity Values
1.2e-05CALEPA0.0085
USGS Health-Based Screening Levels for Evaluating Water-Quality
Lead01049Trace element15At tapAction level (Treatment Technique)Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP
Hazard Quotient Level 0.1 or Cancer Risk Level 1E-06
2.00e+028.00e+021.50e-011.00e+019.00e+00
Hazard Quotient Level 3 or Cancer Risk Level 1E-04
