DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

 

Courtesy of http://www.neyco.fr

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

            Of all the naturally occurring elements we know of, there are few that in the history of man and civilization have drawn as much attention as lead. The soft and malleable element, considered a heavy metal, has found many uses throughout history because of these characteristics. Its lengthy usage dates back to Roman times where its low melting point and ability to shape it easily made it ideal for pipes. Lead remained in a number of consumer and industrial products for some time. The extraction and production of lead remained an intensive process despite technological advances because of its tendency to not be found in a pure state naturally. Like other mined resources, lead extraction and production itself is a source of the pollutant into the environment. Throughout time, despite lessened exposure lead has had a major impact on the health of people. The release of this element into the environment has affected notably children since they are four to five times more vulnerable than adults. The effects of lead exposure are varied for both children and adults. In many circumstances, too much lead exposure can be fatal. One of the most prevalent sources of modern lead exposure came with the use and production of leaded gasoline. Invented in 1921 by Thomas Midgley and proclaimed as “a gift from God”, previous knowledge of lead's toxicity was ignored in favor of creating a fuel that prevented engine knocking. Described as a brain and kidney damaging toxin, lead enjoyed a 50 year long history of unregulated use until finally phased out in North America in the 1970’s and 80’s thus providing an example of a successful environmental remediation project.

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.