History of Lead

Learn about the many ways humans have used lead, starting with the ancient Romans, on Discovery Channel's "HowStuffWorks" show.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• howstuffworks
• howstuffworks.com
• lead
• hsw tv
• hsw
• tv show
• discovery

[anthonychemistry]

that was great information

[bluebutdude1]

who the fuck thought it would be good to put it in food and wine?

also so old car do not need lead to run?

[Goonerworld]

And don't forget the symbol for lead, Pb with plumbum.

[TheCaptainLulz]

the eyeliner in ancient egypt wasnt lead, it was stibnite (antimony sulfide). The lead was used as face whitener (PbO2).

[datzfast]

@bluebutdude1 the lead in the fuel when burned was deposited onto the valvestem guides and had a lubricating effect. oil would just be burned away. so oil was not a good lubricant. the engine will last longer if you used leaded gasoline. and the valves were less likely to seize. now picture yourself in an aeroplane when that happens and it becomes apparent why lead was used for so long.

[quangluu96]

@datzfast haha not mine it's made of silver

[marsbarz]

Lol he can't pronounce a latin word correctly.

"Which helped make Rome the capital of the ancient world!"

If I could only make a jerking-off motion in words.

[fremlinskent]

It's plumbum, not plumblum.

[datzfast]

lead fillings in teeth,

[PandoraFiles]

They knew the dangers, they ignored to consequences, right up to today! How many diseases are you aware of that has no identified cause and no prescribed cure?

[Crommdagron]

Yes valve seats of older cars were made of softer steel. Lead acts as a lube in fuel.

[midnitesquirldog]

bluebutdude1 i have an old car but i dont use the lead additive only 93 octane but if you use lead in the old cars the engine last alot longer it lubricates the valves and cylinders alot of old engines all the way up into the 70's would last long like 300,000 miles or more then they did away with lead then the motors only went 150,000 miles..