Lead

1Identification

Name

Lead

IUPAC name

lead

CAS number

7439-92-1

EC number

231-100-4

Molecular formula

Pb

Molecular weight

207 g/mol

InChIKey

WABPQHHGFIMREM-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

[Pb]

PubChem CID

5352425

Synonyms

LEAD, Lead element, Lead metal, Plumbum, Blei, Lead flake, Glover, Plumbum metallicum, Omaha & grant, plomb, Lead S2, Olow, Lead S 2, SSO 1

Recommended uses

• The primary use of lead is in the manufacture of batteries. Lead is also used in the production of lead alloys and metal products, such as sheet lead, solder (but no longer in food cans), and pipes, and in, ammunition, cable covering, and other products. Its use in ceramic glazes, paint and pipe solder has been dramatically reduced. Tetraethyl lead was used in gasoline to increase the octane rating until lead additives were phased out and eventually banned from use in on-road gasoline in the U.S. by the EPA by 1996. Leaded gasoline is still used for propeller-driven aircraft and some race cars.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• MINING OR SMELTING: Produce lead fume by primary or secondary smelting--includes brass, copper, and lead foundries and scrap metal recycling operations; MANUFACTURING: Lead-acid battery; crystal glass; lead joints/babbitt; pewter; fishing weights; leaded or stained glass; paint and ink; leaded plastics; ammunition; electronic components (ceramic coated capacitors and resistors); electrical components using fritted glass; lead pipe, sheet, solder, type metal, cable shielding, or anodes; ceramics (mix glaze & fire kiln); mix and weigh lead powders; USING: Weld, cut, braze, grind, sand or blast old paint: houses and buildings (painted before 1978); bridges; ships; steel towers;
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Organic lead was added to gasoline in the US until January 1996. Lead allowable in US paint was reduced to 1% in 1971 and to 0.006% in 1977. [ATSDR Case Studies, Lead Toxicity]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Plating agent Processing aids not otherwise specified Intermediate Sealant (barrier) Reducing agent Binder Other Filler Corrosion inhibitor Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Alloys Soil amendments (fertilizers) Conductive agent Flux agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Intermediate Other Reducing agent Soil amendments (fertilizers) Alloys Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Corrosion inhibitor Catalyst Flux agent Conductive agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Chemical Classes -> Inorganic substances · Food Contaminant -> METALS -> JECFA Functional Classes

Description

• 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.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Lead and Lead Compounds can cause cancer according to The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It can cause developmental toxicity, female reproductive toxicity and male reproductive toxicity according to state or federal government labeling requirements.
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• Soft silver-bluish white to gray metal. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS08, GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

7 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Lead: Exposure Routes: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact Symptoms: Lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), insomnia; facial pallor; anorexia, weight loss, malnutrition; constipation, abdominal pain, colic; anemia; gingival lead line; tremor; paralysis wrist, ankles; encephalopathy; kidney disease; irritation eyes; hypertension Target Organs: Eyes, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, kidneys, blood, gingival tissue (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Flash point data for this compound are not available, however, it is probably non-combustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

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.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• 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.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• 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. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Soap flush promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly flush the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Metallic taste. Abdominal pain. Headache. Confusion. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness. Convulsions.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• See Inhalation.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 5 of the supplier's SDS.

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• 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.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

7Handling and 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.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Lead: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: DAILY - The worker should wash daily at the end of each work shift, and prior to eating, drinking, smoking, etc. Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Respirator recommendations

• (See OSHA respirator requirements for selected chemicals) NIOSH/OSHA Up to 0.5 mg/m3 : (APF = 10) Any air-purifying respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter (including N100, R100, and P100 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask respirators. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters. (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 1.25 mg/m3 : (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter. Up to 2.5 mg/m3 : (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• 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.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Strong oxidizers, hydrogen peroxide, acids
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Cancer, Developmental (effects while organs are developing), Hematological (Blood Forming), Neurological (Nervous System), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Reproductive (Producing Children)
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Eyes, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, kidneys, blood, gingival tissue
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• Inhalation of high concentrations may cause effects on multiple organs. See Acute Hazards/Symptoms.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance may have effects on the blood, bone marrow, nervous system and kidneys. This may result in anaemia, encephalopathy (for example, convulsions), peripheral nerve disease, abdominal cramps, kidney impairment, cardiovascular disorders and hearing loss. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans. Causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 13 of the supplier's SDS.

14Transport information

DOT label

• Class 9
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 9; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

No specific US regulatory listings found in our sources. Check Section 15 of your supplier's SDS for TSCA, SARA 313, CERCLA, Prop 65 and state listings.

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 5352425 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.