Ancient and Modern Uses of Lead

ANCIENT AND MODERN USES OF LEAD 4.1. Ancient and Medieval Uses 

Following the decline of the western Roman Empire, Pb production continued, but at a much reduced pace, as witnessed by sediments and peat bogs [75]. However, the atmospheric Pb flux did not reach background values therefore, Pb continued to be mined and refined, especially in Asia [76]. Even at this time in Europe, Pb continued to be used for glass making and ceramic glazes [77]. Lead was needed for the cames of the stained glass windows of churches and cathedrals [53] the abundance of these windows in Europe today is a testimony to the usefulness of metallic Pb as a construction material. Lead was also used to 

So many industrial and commercial uses have been found for Pb that it is difficult to list them all. The main uses of Pb which are most relevant to environmental contamination and human exposure are lead-based indoor paints, lead water pipes, lead solder in cans for storing food, and leaded gasoline additives these have either since been banned or are in the process of being banned. Action is also being taken with respect to lead glazes on pottery and ceramics, lead in 

The diverse uses and applications are outlined here because many Pb-bearing consumer products end up in residential waste streams, and burning municipal solid waste (MSW) is an additional source of Pb to the environment. For example, the glass screens on TV sets and personal computers each contain several hundred grams of Pb added to protect the viewer from radiation. The US EPA estimates that 50,000 tonnes of Pb is added to the waste stream annually from consumer electronics alone. 

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