Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
4
The Anatomy
of a Mine
This is Mining
LEAD
Lead, a bluish-grey metal, has no taste or smell. Lead is readily produced by
reduction from Galena (lead sulphide). With a melting point of only 327
C, lead
flows easily and collects in the lowest point of a fireplace or furnace. Lead is
highly malleable, ductile and non-corrosive, making it an excellent piping
material. Lead pipes bearing the insignia of Roman emperors can still be found.
Lead is also toxic. Lead has been shown to affect virtually every organ and
system in the body in both humans and animals. It has been hypothesized that
lead poisoning contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire. Today, the USA is
the largest producer and consumer of lead metal.
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