What is lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring bluish-gray metal found in small amounts in the earth's crust. It has no characteristic taste or smell. Metallic lead does not dissolve in water and does not burn. Lead can combine with other chemicals to form what are usually known as lead compounds or lead salts. Some lead salts dissolve in water better than others. Some natural and manufactured substances contain lead but do not look like lead in its metallic form. Some of these substances can burn-for example, organic lead compounds in some gasolines.

Lead has many different uses. Its most important use is in the production of some types of batteries. It is also used in the production of ammunition, in some kinds of metal products (such as sheet lead, solder, some brass and bronze products, and pipes), and in ceramic glazes. Some chemicals containing lead, such as tetraethyl lead and tetramethyl lead, were once used as gasoline additives to increase octane rating. However, their use was phased out in the 1980s, and lead was banned for use in gasoline for transportation beginning January 1, 1996. Other chemicals containing lead are used in paint. The amount of lead added to paints and ceramic products, caulking, gasoline, and solder has also been reduced in recent years to minimize lead's harmful effects on people and animals. Lead used in ammunition, which is the largest non-battery end-use, has remained fairly constant in recent years. Lead is used in a large variety of medical equipment (radiation shields for protection against X-rays, electronic ceramic parts of ultrasound machines, intravenous pumps, fetal monitors, and surgical equipment). Lead is also used in scientific equipment (circuit boards for computers and other electronic circuitry) and military equipment (jet turbine engine blades, military tracking systems).

Most lead used by industry comes from mined ores ("primary") or from recycled scrap metal or batteries ("secondary"). Human activities (such as the former use of "leaded" gasoline) have spread lead and substances that contain lead to all parts of the environment. For example, lead is in air, drinking water, rivers, lakes, oceans, dust, and soil. Lead is also in plants and animals that people may eat.

Act now! It is essential that you inquire about your case as soon as possible. Litigation may be the only way to receive the damages to which you may be entitled, such as medical and health care bills, lost or diminished wages, and financial compensation to family in the case of death. Have your children been hurt? Your individual state's law may limit your time to bring a legal claim to protect your rights. You need to have your lead paint claim evaluated immediately!

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see also:

Exposure in Children Lead Paint Lawyers - Lead Paint Exposure in Children
our legal claim is too important to take chances with the wrong Negligence lawyer. Weitz & Luxenberg has been setting the standard in personal injury law for almost 20 years. For your Lead Paint claim, choose Weitz & Luxenberg, because experience counts.

Guidelines Negligence Litigation - Lead Paint Lawyers - CPSC Lead Paint Guidlines
Your legal claim is too important to take chances with the wrong Negligence lawyer.

Lead Poisoning Lead Poisoning Information from Lead Paint Lawyer
Lead poisoning is a condition brought on by excessive amount of lead