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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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L
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Lead
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1992-09-03
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A heavy, soft, malleable, grey metallic
element, symbol Pb (from Latin plumbum),
atomic number 82, atomic weight 207.19.
Usually found as an ore (most often in
galena), it occasionally occurs as a free
metal (native metal). It is the final stable
product of the decay of uranium. It is the
softest and weakest of the commonly used
metals and is a poor conductor of
electricity. It resists acid corrosion. Lead
is a cumulative poison that enters the body
from lead water pipes, lead-based paints, and
leaded gasoline. Lead is an effective shield
against radiation and is used in batteries,
glass, ceramics, and alloys, such as pewter
and solder. The name is very old and derives
from an Indo-European base, pleu, meaning to
flow or pour, since it has a low melting
point.