Lead Metal

Hazard statements (CLP)

H360, H362, H372, H400, H410

Code

Statements

H360

May damage fertility or the unborn child

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

2.3 Other hazards

This product contains no PBT/vPvB/vPvM chemicals. This product contains no endocrine disrupting chemicals. Does not contain component(s) that meet a 'definition' of per & poly fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) list of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs). Emergency Overview: A bluish white to silvery-grey, heavy, soft metal that does not burn in bulk but will melt readily at temperature above 300°C to form a molten metal pool. Finely divided lead dust clouds may be a moderate fire and explosion hazard, however. When heated strongly in air, highly toxic lead oxide fumes will be generated. Inhalation or ingestion of lead fumes may produce both acute and chronic health effects. Possible cancer and reproductive hazard. SCBA and full protective clothing are required for fire emergency response personnel.

Potential health effects

While this product is not considered hazardous in the form in which it is sold, this Safety Data Sheet contains valuable information essential to the safe handling and proper use of this product. Inhalation or ingestion of lead dust or fumes may result in headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal spasms, fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight loss, anemia and leg, arm, and joint pain. Prolonged exposure may also cause central nervous system damage, hypertension, gastrointestinal disturbances, anemia, kidney dysfunction and possible reproductive effects. Pregnant women should be protected from excessive exposure to dust/fume to prevent lead crossing the placental barrier and causing infant neurological disorders. Lead and inorganic lead compounds are listed as an A3 Carcinogen (Confirmed Animal Carcinogen with Unknown Relevance to Humans) by the ACGIH. IARC has listed lead compounds as Group 2A Carcinogens (Probably Carcinogenic to Humans) while lead metal is listed as Group 2B (Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans). The NTP lists lead and lead compounds as Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen. OSHA and the EU does not currently list lead as a human carcinogen. (See Toxicological Information, Section 11)

Environmental effects

Lead metal has relatively low bioavailability; however, compounds which it forms with other elements can be toxic to both aquatic and terrestrial organisms at low concentrations. These compounds can be particularly toxic in the aquatic environment. Lead bioaccumulates in plants and animals in both aquatic and terrestrial environments (see Ecological Information, Section 12).

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

revised 2024 and Canadian Hazardous Products Regulations (SOR/2015-17) (GHS revision 7). Lactation effect;H362 May cause harm to breast-fed children. Reproductive toxicity, category 1A;H360 May damage fertility or the unborn child. Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated category 1;H372 exposure. Aquatic toxicity (acute), category 1;H400 Very toxic to aquatic life. Aquatic toxicity (chronic), category 1;H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.