| Lead is a very soft, heavy metal with a bright bluish white luster when freshly cut, but tarnishes to dull gray when exposed to air. It is toxic, highly malleable, ductile, and a poor conductor of electricity. Lead is very resistant to corrosion; that's why lead pipes bearing the insignia of Roman emperors, used as drains from the baths, are still in service. It is used in containers for corrosive liquids (such as sulfuric acid) and may be toughened by the addition of a small percentage of |
