Lead (Pb)

Lead (Pb)

Air Villain: Lead-foot Louie

Status: Busted

Description: (Element) Lead is a soft, bluish-gray heavy metal that is highly poisonous and may be present in air, water and soil.

Crime: Children are most at risk from eating lead-contaminated paint chips, dust or soil. Lead poisoning in children can result in learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Pb can also affect blood, bones, and organs.

Cause: Pb has been phased out of many consumer products such as household paint, batteries, and gasoline. Some imported toys and jewelry contain dangerous levels of Pb. Airborne Pb comes from burning coal, oil, and waste, and from lead smelting.