LEAD AND ITS INORGANIC COMPOUNDS

Lead and its inorganic compounds
CAS 7439-92-1

Pb

Bluish-white, silvery, or gray solid
bp 1740 °C, mp 327 °C
Insoluble (metal; solubility of lead salts varies)

Odorless

LD_LO oral (pigeon) 160 mg/kg

PEL (OSHA) 0.05 mg/m ³

PEL (action level) 0.03 mg/m ³

TLV-TWA (ACGIH) 0.05 mg/m ³

(PEL and TLV apply to lead and inorganic lead compounds)

Chronic toxin affecting the kidneys and central and peripheral nervous systems; reproductive and developmental toxin.

The acute toxicity of lead and inorganic lead compounds is moderate to low. Symptoms of exposure include decreased appetite, insomnia, headache, muscle and joint pain, colic, and constipation. Inorganic lead compounds are not significantly absorbed through the skin.

Chronic exposure to inorganic lead via inhalation or ingestion can result in damage to the peripheral and central nervous system, anemia, and chronic kidney disease. Lead can accumulate in the soft tissues and bones, with the highest accumulation in the liver and kidneys, and elimination is slow. Lead has shown developmental and reproductive toxicity in both male and female animals and humans. Lead is listed by IARC in Group 2B ("possible human carcinogen") and by NTP as "reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen," but is not considered to be a "select carcinogen" under the criteria of the OSHA Laboratory Standard.

Lead powder is combustible when exposed to heat or flame.

Violent reactions of lead with sodium azide, zirconium, sodium acetylide, and chlorine trifluoride have been reported. Reactivity of lead compounds varies depending on structure.

Lead should be handled in the laboratory using the "basic prudent practices" described in Chapter 5.C. In particular, work with lead dust, molten lead, and lead salts capable of forming dusts should be conducted in a fume hood to prevent exposure by inhalation.

In the event of skin contact, immediately wash with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing. In case of eye contact, promptly wash with copious amounts of water for 15 min (lifting upper and lower lids occasionally) and obtain medical attention. If lead or lead compounds are ingested, obtain medical attention immediately. If large amounts of such substances are inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention at once.

In the event of a spill, sweep up dry lead and its compounds, soak up solutions with a spill pillow or absorbent material, place in an appropriate container, and dispose of properly. Respiratory protection may be necessary in the event of a large spill or release causing significant airborne particulate levels.

Excess lead and waste material containing this substance should be placed in an appropriate container, clearly labeled, and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines.

The information in this LCSS has been compiled by a committee of the National Research Council from literature sources and Material Safety Data Sheets and is believed to be accurate as of July 1994. This summary is intended for use by trained laboratory personnel in conjunction with the NRC report Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals. This LCSS presents a concise summary of safety information that should be adequate for most laboratory uses of the title substance, but in some cases it may be advisable to consult more comprehensive references. This information should not be used as a guide to the nonlaboratory use of this chemical.

Copyright 1995 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.