What are the main purposes of lead?

Answer 1

Uses The following uses for lead are gathered from a number of sources as well as from anecdotal comments. I'd be delighted to receive corrections as well as additional referenced uses (please use the feedback mechanism to add uses). * the metal and the dioxide are used in storage batteries * cable covering, Plumbing, ammunition * manufacture of PbEt4 - an antiknock compound in petrol. Environmental concern with lead poisoning, (and cheaper unleaded petrol prices) is slowly resulting in less use of lead in petrol * the metal is very effective as a sound absorber * a radiation shield around X-ray equipment and nuclear reactors * used extensively in paints, although recently the use of lead in paints has been drastically curtailed to eliminate or reduce health hazards * the oxide is used in producing fine "crystal glass" and "flint glass" with a high refractive index for achromatic lenses * solder * used by the Romans for plumbing (the decline of the Roman Empire is attributed to lead in the water supply!) * used to contain corrosive liquids * alloying * cable covering * ammunition * shield against X-rays * oxide used to produce crystal glass * insecticides Web webelements.com