What is Lead?
CAS#: 007439-92-1
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.
Related Resources for Lead
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Case Study in Environmental Medicine (CSEM)
Self-instructional publication designed to increase primary
care provider's knowledge of a hazardous substance in the
environment and to aid in the evaluation of potentially
exposed patients.
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CERCLA Priority List of Hazardous Substance
Prioritization of substances based on a combination of their
frequency, toxicity, and potential for human exposure at
National Priorities List (NPL) sites.
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Interaction Profiles
Succintly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health
effects information for mixtures of hazardous substances.
- National Report Human Exposure to Environmental
Chemicals
Provides an ongoing assessment of the exposure of the U.S.
population to environmental chemicals using biomonitoring.
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Public Health Statement
Summary about a hazardous substance taken from Chapter One
of its respective ATSDR Toxicological Profile.
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ToxFAQ
Fact sheet that answers the most frequently asked questions
about a contaminant and its health effects.
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ToxFAQ: Chemical Agent Briefing Sheets (CABS)
Briefing sheets that provide current and relevant scientific
information on specific high profile chemicals.
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ToxGuide [PDF, 79
KB]
Quick reference guide providing information such as chemical
and physical properties, sources of exposure, routes of
exposure, minimal risk levels, children's health, and health
effects for a substance.
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Toxicological Profile
Succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health
effects information for a hazardous substance.