Lead is a chemical element with symbol Pb and atomic number 82. A heavy metal with a density exceeding that of most common materials, it is malleable and has a low melting point for a metal. Chemically, it is a relatively unreactive post-transition metal. Lead was known to prehistoric people. A principal ore of lead, galena, often bears silver; interest in silver sparked lead extraction and use in ancient Rome. Lead production declined after the fall of Rome and did not reach comparable levels until the Industrial Revolution. Nowadays, global production of lead is about ten million tonnes annually. Its high density, low melting point, high malleability, relative inertness to oxidation, relative abundance, and low cost have resulted in its extensive use in construction, plumbing, batteries, bullets and shot, weights, solders, pewters, fusible alloys, and radiation shielding. In the late 19th century, lead was recognized as highly toxic, and since then it has been phased out for many uses. A neurotoxin that accumulates in soft tissues and bones, it can damage the nervous system and cause brain and blood disorders.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1810:

Napoleonic Wars: The French Navy defeated the Royal Navy, preventing them from taking the harbour of Grand Port on Île de la Passe. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Grand_Port

1893:

The Sea Islands hurricane made landfall near Savannah, Georgia, U.S., causing at least 1,000 deaths. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1893_Sea_Islands_hurricane

1927:

Five Canadian women filed a petition to ask the Supreme Court of Canada, "Does the word 'Persons' in Section 24 of the British North America Act, 1867, include female persons," to which the court eventually replied that it does not. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Famous_Five_(Canada)

1942:

Nazi troops and the Ukrainian Auxiliary Police began systematically executing more than 14,000 people, mostly Jews, in and around Sarny in occupied Poland. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarny_Massacre

2013:

Religious violence between Hindus and Muslims erupted in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India, leaving 62 people dead. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Muzaffarnagar_riots

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

chthonic: Dwelling within or under the earth. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/chthonic

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

Development and diversity depend on independent initiatives and competition.  When everyone thinks alike not much gets thought.   --Johan Norberg https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Johan_Norberg