Lead oxide (PbO)

223.2

223.97200

215-267-0

0288

57634

2291|3288|3077

DTXSID0029638

Exists in 2 forms: red to reddish-yellow, tetragonal crystals at ordinary temperature; yellow, orthorhombic crystals, stable above 489 °C|Yellow orthorhombic crystals

17.07000

-0.49960

yellow powder

9.53 g/cm³

888 °C

1470 °C

2.67

soluble in concentrated alkali, hydrochloric acid, and ammonium chloride.Insoluble in water, dilute alkali and alcohol.

Store below +30°C.

10 mm Hg ( 0 °C)

Abdominal cavity-rat LDL0: 430 mg/kg; abdominal cavity-mouse LD50: 217 mg/kg

Non-combustible substance; heat produces toxic leaded fumes

Strong base

Commercial grades are yellow to reddish, depending on treatment and purity|At 300-450 °C in air converted slowly into lead tetraoxide (Pb3O4) but at higher temp reverts to lead oxide (PbO)|Reddish, alpha form (litharge)is stable up to 489 °C where it transforms to the yellow, beta form (massicot). The latter is stable at high temperatures.|Amphoteric, dissolving in acids and alkalies. In alkalies, it forms the plumbite ion, PbO2(2-).

No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.

Non-Redox-Active Inorganic Compounds

LITHARGE has weak oxidizing or reducing powers. Redox reactions can however still occur. The majority of compounds in this class are slightly soluble or insoluble in water. If soluble in water, then the solutions are usually neither strongly acidic nor strongly basic. These compounds are not water-reactive. Aluminum carbide is oxidized with incandescence on warming with lead oxide, [Mellor, 1946, Vol. 5, 872]. Mixtures of lead oxide with aluminum powder(as with other metals: sodium, zirconium) give a violent explosions, [Mellor, 1946, Vol. 5, 217, 1941].

III

6.1(b)

UN 2291 6.1/PG 3

3

61-20/22-33-50/53-62

53-45-60-61

OG1750000

T,N

Treasury is ventilated, low temperature and dry; stored separately from food additives

Stable. Reacts violently with hydrogen peroxide, strong oxidizing agents, aluminium, zirconium, halogens, sulphur trioxide, boron, silicon, sodium, zinc.

P201-P260-P263-P280-P301 + P312 + P330-P308 + P313

H302 + H332-H351-H360Df-H362-H372-H410

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D008, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.|Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.|Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.|Chemical Treatability of Lead; Concentration Process: Biological Treatment; Chemical Classification: Metal; Scale of Study: Respirometer Study; Results of Study: Oxygen uptake inhibited. /Inorganic lead cmpd/|Chemical Treatability of Lead; Concentration Process: Biological Treatment; Chemical Classification: Metal; Scale of Study: Laboratory Scale; Type of Wastewater Used: Synthetic Wastewater; Results of Study: No stimulation or inhibition of biological growth (study of Nitrosomonas bacteria). /Inorganic lead cmpd/

Incompatible materials: Hydrogen peroxide, strong oxidizing agents, acids|Explosive reaction with rubidium acetylide at 200 °C, zirconium + heat, silicon + aluminum + heat, chlorine + ethylene (at 100 °C), perchloric acid + glycerin.|Violent or explosive thermite reaction when heated with aluminum powder.|Violent or explosive reaction with chlorinated rubber (above 200 °C), fluoroelastomers (at 200 °C), peroxyformic acid.|For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for Lead(II) Oxide (18 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

DHHS/ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Lead (August 2007).[Available from, as of May 3, 2016: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp13.pdf]|National Toxicology Program; Report on Carcinogens, Thirteenth Edition (2014). The Report on Carcinogens is an informational scientific and public health document that identifies and discusses substances (including agents, mixtures, or exposure circumstances) that may pose a carcinogenic hazard to human health. Lead and Lead Compounds are listed as reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens. /Lead and Lead Compounds/[Available from, as of May 3, 2016: http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/pubhealth/roc/roc13/]

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. (ERG, 2016)|Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

|Danger|H302+H332 (14.44%): Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, inhalation]|P201, P202, P260, P261, P263, P264, P270, P271, P273, P281, P301+P312, P304+P312, P304+P340, P308+P313, P312, P314, P330, P391, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 764 companies from 31 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H302 (100%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]|P201, P202, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P273, P281, P301+P312, P304+P312, P304+P340, P308+P313, P312, P314, P330, P391, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 38 companies from 1 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]|P201, P202, P260, P281, P308+P313, P314, P405, and P501|H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]|P201, P202, P260, P264, P270, P281, P307+P311, P308+P313, P314, P321, P405, and P501|H316: Causes mild skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]|P201, P202, P260, P281, P308+P313, P314, P332+P313, P405, and P501

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above. FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2016)

Dust or metal fume respirator; gloves; goggles. (USCG, 1999)|Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).|Skin protection: Handle with gloves.|Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.|Respiratory protection: Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face particle respirator type N100 (US) or type P3 (EN 143) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).|For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for Lead(II) Oxide (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.|Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.|Extinguishant: Dry sand, dry dolomite, or dry graphite. /Inorganic lead/|If material on fire or involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. /Lead compounds, NOS/

Lead is combustible in powder form when exposed to heat or flame. /Inorganic lead/

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.|SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.|The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for lead: Concentration process: Biological treatment. /Lead/|The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for lead: Concentration process: Chemical precipitation. /Lead/|For more Cleanup Methods (Complete) data for Lead(II) Oxide (17 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided.|Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Further processing of solid materials may result in the formation of combustible dusts. The potential for combustible dust formation should be taken into consideration before additional processing occurs. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.|Appropriate engineering controls: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.|Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.|For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for Lead(II) Oxide (25 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

A skin irritant.

Permissible Exposure Limit: (1) The employer shall assure that no employee is exposed to lead at concentrations greater than fifty micrograms per cubic meter of air (50 ug/cu m) averaged over an 8-hr period. (2) If an employee is exposed to lead for more than 8 hr in any work day, the permissible exposure limit, as a time weighted average (TWA) for that day, shall be reduced according to the following formula: Maximum permissible limit (in ug/cu m)=400 divided by the number of hours worked in the day. (3) When respirators are used to supplement engineering and work practice controls to comply with the PEL and all the requirements of paragraph (f) have been met, employee exposure, for the purpose of determining whether the employer has complied with the PEL, may be considered to be at the level provided by the protection factor of the respirator for those periods the respirator is worn. Those periods may be averaged with exposure levels during periods when respirators are not worn to determine the employee's daily TWA exposure. /Lead means metallic lead, all inorganic lead compounds, and organic lead soaps. Excluded from this definition are all other organic lead compounds./

NIOSH considers "Lead" to mean metallic lead, lead oxides, and lead salts (including organic salts such as lead soaps but excluding lead arsenate).|Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 hr Time-Weighted Avg: 0.050 mg/cu m /Lead/|Air concentrations should be maintained so that worker blood lead remains less than 0.06 mg Pb/100 g of whole blood. /Lead/

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers.

A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed, especially if powdered.

The substance may have effects on the blood, bone marrow, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and kidneys. This may result in anaemia, encephalopathy (for example, convulsions), peripheral nerve disease, abdominal cramps and kidney impairment. Causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

See EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE. AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN! PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!

Use local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety spectacles.

National primary and secondary ambient air quality standards for lead and its compounds, measured as elemental lead by a reference method based on appendix G to this part, or by an equivalent method, are: 1.5 ug/cu m, maximum arithmetic mean averaged over a calendar quarter. /Lead and its compounds, as Pb/|Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Lead compounds are included on this list. /Lead compounds/

D008; A solid waste containing lead may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste. /Lead/

D008; A solid waste containing lead may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste. /Lead/

The major constituents of sintering and blast furnace operations appear to be lead oxide.lead sulfate (PbO.PbSO4) and PbSO4(1). The chemical composition of baghouse effluent from smelting and refining operations in one case was 70% PbO.PbSO4(2). Lead(II) oxide was identified, not quantified, in particulate matter collected on a filter in the vicinity of a lead smelter(3).|The composition of airborne lead particulates were measured in car exhaust (initial concentration and 18 hours after the sampled had set) and along urban and rural roads. Lead(II) oxide (PbO) was reported as a percentage of the total lead particles present, and in affiliation with other lead compounds as follows(1):[Table#1801]

SEDIMENT: The predominant forms of lead in sediment from the White River, IN were lead sulfate and lead(II) oxide(1).

highly toxic

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Lead oxide exists in 2 forms: red to reddish-yellow, tetragonal crystals and yellow, orthorhombic crystals. It is used in manufacturing of storage batteries, ceramic products, paints, and rubber. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Acute lead encephalopathy in early infancy has been reported in a Middle Eastern study for 14 infants following the use of Bint al Dahab, a traditional medicine containing 91% lead monoxide. Twenty-seven one- to six-year-old children of 22 workers at a storage battery plant at high risk of exposure to lead oxide were compared with 32 one- to six-year-old children in 22 neighborhood control families for evidence of increased lead absorption. Workers' children had significantly higher blood lead and erythrocyte protoporphyrin values than control children. Chromosomes were analyzed in cultured lymphocytes of 44 male workers from a lead oxide factory, and from a control group of 15 nonexposed individuals. Lead concentration in blood ranged from 30 to 75 ug/100 mL in exposed subjects and from 15 to 35 ug/10 mL in controls. Length of exposure to lead ranged from one month to 11 years eight months. In subjects occupationally exposed to lead, a significant increase in chromatid and chromosome aberrations was found. The frequency of such findings parallels exposure time to lead. ANIMAL STUDIES: 30 male and 30 female hamsters were intratracheally injected with 1 mg lead oxide, alone or with 1 mg benzo(a)pyrene once a wk for 10 wk. Lead oxide alone induced alveolar metaplasia (19) and adenomatous proliferation (3) in the lungs. In combination with benzo(a) pyrene, lead oxide caused adenoma (9) and adenocarcinomas (1) in the peripheral area of the lungs, as well as alveolar metaplasia (23) and adenomatous proliferation (5). In male rats inhalation of lead oxide did not affect fertility, but seminal vesicle weight dropped significantly, which might suggest an alteration in the pattern of testosterone secretion. In the male progeny of sires that inhaled lead, the number of epididymal spermatozoa decreased but this did not interfere with fertility. Rabbits exposed to PbO at 30 ug/cu m for 4 days (3 hr/day) were sacrificed and their lungs lavaged immediately, 24 hr, and 72 hr after the final exposure. Lactate dehydrogenase (a marker of lung cell damage) and lysozyme activity (a marker of lysosome permeability), measured in the lavage fluid, were significantly increased 24 and 72 hr after exposure. PbO produced neutrophil infiltration. Effects on macrophage functions were also noted. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: Lead oxide has a significant effect on behavior, morphology, and histopathology of earthworms (Eisenia fetida, Savigny).

Heterogeneous chemistry of nitrogen dioxide with lead-containing particles is investigated to better understand lead metal mobilization in the environment. In particular, PbO particles, a model lead-containing compound due to its widespread presence as a component of lead paint and as naturally occurring minerals, massicot, and litharge, are exposed to nitrogen dioxide at different relative humidity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that upon exposure to nitrogen dioxide the surface of PbO particles reacts to form adsorbed nitrates and lead nitrate thin films with the extent of nitrate formation relative humidity dependent. NO(2)-exposed PbO particles are found to have an increase in the amount of lead that dissolves in aqueous suspensions at circumneutral pH compared to particles not exposed. These results point to the potential importance and impact that heterogeneous chemistry with trace atmospheric gases can have on increasing solubility and therefore the mobilization of heavy metals, such as lead, in the environment. This study also shows that surface intermediates that form, such as adsorbed lead nitrates, can yield higher concentrations of lead in water systems. These water systems can include drinking water, groundwater, estuaries, and lakes.|Chelating agents in plasma reduce the proportion of metals bound to proteins. EDTA Ca is energetic on all metals mainly on lead, cadmium, and zinc. N-acetyl-DL penicillamin is less energetic. Meso 2,3 dimercapto succinic acid, and 2,3 dimercapto-1-propan sulfonic acid have an effect only on Lead but in a very light way. ... /Metal oxides/|30 male and 30 female hamsters (Syrian golden, 6 wk old) were intratracheally injected with 1 mg lead oxide, alone or with 1 mg benzo(a)pyrene once a wk for 10 wk. Lead oxide alone induced alveolar metaplasia (19) and adenomatous proliferation (3) in the lungs. In combination with benzo(a) pyrene, lead oxide caused adenoma (9) and adenocarcinomas (1) in the peripheral area of the lungs, as well as alveolar metaplasia (23) and adenomatous proliferation (5).|The pulmonary toxicity of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate and lead(II) oxide alone or in combination was studied in rats after a single intratracheal instillation. The lead content in the lungs and the whole blood was determined and it has been found that the clearance of lead from the lung was delayed by dithiocarbamate complex formation, which probably had a role in increased IgA levels in the bronchoalveolar fluid and the induction of local immune response. The combined exposure gave rise to calcium deposits in the lungs both extra- and intracellularly after 1 month of exposure. Both separate and combined exposure invoked permanent injury in membranes or dystrophic changes in the cytoplasm of pneumocytes, which may initiate and generate a series of events leading to fibrosing alveolitis.

LC50 Rat inhalation >5.05 mg/L/4 hr|LD50 Rat dermal >2000 mg/kg|LD50 Rat oral >2000 mg/kg

/OTHER TERRESTRIAL SPECIES/ ... A study was carried out to monitor lead toxicity in soil, using adult earthworms (Eisenia fetida, Savigny). Leaded gasoline (TEL) and lead oxide are 383- and 211-fold more toxic than unleaded gasoline (MTBE) in 7 days of exposure and 627- and 290-fold more toxic in 14 days, respectively. Results indicate that the presence of TEL in leaded gasoline and lead oxide has a significant effect on behavior, morphology, and histopathology of earthworms. Absorption of TEL into the tissues is comparatively less than that of lead oxide but toxic effects were severe. Rupture of the cuticle, extrusion of coelomic fluid and inflexible metameric segmentation were observed, causing desensitization of the posterior region leading to fragmentation in earthworms.|/OTHER TERRESTRIAL SPECIES/ ... Woodlice (Porcellio scaber) /were exposed/ to treated soil litter containing between 100 and 12,800 mg/kg dry weight of lead, as lead oxide, over 64 wk. No significant effect was found on adult survival, number of young produced or on survival of young at exposures up to 6400 mg lead/kg. There was a significant reduction in all three parameters after exposure to 12,800 mg/kg.

One of the ultimate products of photolysis of lead compounds in the atmosphere is lead(II) oxide(1,2). One important mineral, lanarkite (PbSO4.PbO), contains lead(II) oxide in combination with lead sulfate(3).|Natural lead monoxide ... massicot /is/ found in USA (Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, & Virginia). ... /Massicot/

Lead(II) oxide's production and use as in storage batteries, ceramic cements and fluxes, pottery and glazes, glass, chromium pigments, oil refining, varnishes, paints, enamels; assay of precious metal ores, manufacture of red lead, cement (with glycerol), acid-resisting compositions, match-head compositions, other lead compounds, and as a rubber accelerator(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).|The exhaust from vehicles still using leaded gasoline contains lead oxides(1) as do emissions from blast furnaces, sintering, smelting and refining facilities(2,3). In addition to air emissions, lead(II) oxide may be discharged in wastewater and runoff from production and use facilities(2,4).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Lead(II) oxide will not leach in soil because of its low solubility. In soil, lead(II) oxide is expected to convert to more insoluble forms such as lead sulfate, lead phosphate, and lead sulfite. It also forms complexes with organic matter and clay minerals that limits its mobility(1).|AQUATIC FATE: If released into water, lead(II) oxide will partly settle out due to its low solubility. In the dissolved state it will form ligands, the dominant ones varying with pH. In freshwater systems, the most important ligands are HCO3, CO3, OH and (OH)2, whereas in seawater they are Cl, CO3, (OH), (OH)2, Cl2, and CL3(1).|ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Lead(II) oxide released to the atmosphere will be in particulate form which will be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition. (SRC)

Lead(II) oxide has been identified in candy packaged in ceramic jars from Mexico(1). Lead(II) oxide was found in imported candy from Mexico, specifically Bolirindo lollipops(2).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 59,832 workers (19,722 of these are female) were potentially exposed to lead(II) oxide in the US(1). Occupational exposure to lead(II) oxide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where lead(II) oxide is produced or used(SRC). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to lead(II) oxide via inhalation of air, ingestion of some candies and medicinal remedies originating from other countries(SRC).|People may be occupationally exposed to lead(II) oxide dust during its production and use as well as from smelting, refining, and other operations in which metallic lead is heated in the presence of air such as welding and soldering. The greatest potential for high-level occupational exposure is in lead smelting and refining and the most hazardous operations are those in which the metal is brought to high temperatures resulting in vaporization and subsequently fumes containing small, respirable particles(1).|Special brick mortar contained 71% lead(II) oxide(1). Bint al Dahab is a traditional medicine containing 91% lead monoxide(2).|... risk ... from the dust of lead(II) oxide which forms on the surface of molten metal. ... applies to process of "wire patenting" ... generally regarded as a "low toxicity" operation. Where ... precautions ... not observed, severe cases of poisoning have occurred.|For more Probable Routes of Human Exposure (Complete) data for Lead(II) Oxide (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

After being exposed to a special brick mortar that contained 71% lead(II) oxide, four members of an 11-man crew of bricklayers in western Washington state developed symptomatic lead poisoning(1). Peak blood lead levels (BLLs) for the four workers ranged from 88 to 123 ug/dL, in May 1989(1). In March 1999, two Hispanic children residing in Stanislaus County, CA had blood lead level (BLL) of 88.0 and 69.0 ug/dL after using a Mexican folk remedy called greta, that contains lead(II) oxide(2).

Twenty-five Omani infants were admitted with acute lead encephalopathy. They ranged in age from 1 to 8 months with the majority less than 4 months old. The source of poisoning in 20 infants (80%) proved to be a local medication called bint al dahab. In a further three infants (12%) there was a strong recent history of administration of a local medication, but the agent could not be identified with certainty. As with older children acute lead encephalopathy has serious consequences and in this series only 44% of infants were thought to be neurologically normal at the time of discharge. The administration of lead containing medications to young infants in Oman is a significant preventable cause of morbidity and mortality having implications, in particular, for physicians involved in the care of Arabic communities. In any infant presenting with an unexplained encephalopathy the diagnosis of lead poisoning should be considered.

The aim of this study was to investigate the percutaneous penetration of lead oxide (PbO) powder and the effect of rapid skin decontamination with two different detergents. Franz cells were used to study in vitro PbO skin penetration through human skin during a 24-hour period. The tests were performed without or with decontamination using either Ivory Liquid soap or a new experimental cleanser 30 minutes after the start of exposure. We confirm that PbO can pass through the skin with a median penetration of 2.9 ng/cm (25-75th percentiles 0.35-6). The cleaning procedure using Ivory Liquid soap significantly increased skin penetration with a median value of 23.6 ng/cm (25-75th percentiles 12-47.1; Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.0002), whereas the new experimental cleanser only marginally increased penetration (7.1 ng/cm). Our results indicate that it is necessary to prevent skin contamination from occurring because a short contact can increase skin content and penetration even if quickly followed by washing. This study demonstrated that PbO powder can pass through the skin and that skin decontamination done after 30 minutes of exposure did not decrease skin absorption occurring over 24 hours and stresses the need to prevent skin contamination when using toxic substances.|14 male volunteers were exposed to a lead oxide aerosol for 23 hr per day at an average concentration of 10.9 ug/cu m for up to 17 weeks. ... The air contribution to the lead blood levels was approx 1.4 ug of lead per 100 mL blood per 1 ug of lead per cu m.|Data obtained from a feeding study in rats /showed that/ lead uptake into rat femurs was highly dependent on the chemical form of lead administered. Bioavailability was highest for lead acetate, intermediate for lead oxide, and lowest for lead sulfide and Alaskan mixed ore concentrate. This uptake was linearly related to dose over the range studied.|The objective of this study was to determine percutaneous absorption of lead compounds, including lead sulfate, lead oxide, lead powder, and lead stearate. The lead content on the skin surface of 10 lead-battery workers was measured by the method of skin stripping, and urinary lead content of rats was measured with epicutaneous application of four lead compounds: lead sulfate, lead oxide, lead powder, and lead stearate. There were significant amounts of lead on the 9th and 10th skin strippings of the dorsal hand and the back of lead workers. The amount of lead on the dorsal hand was significantly correlated with the amount in the blood (n = 10, r 2 = 0.66, p < 0.05, linear regression). In rats, after lead compounds were applied for 12 days, total lead amount in urine significantly increased to 146.0 + or - 6.4 ng (SD) for lead stearate, 123.1 + or - 7.2 ng for lead sulfate, 115.9 + or - 5.3 ng for lead oxide, 47.8 + or - 6.9 ng for lead powder, and 10.3 ng for the control, which indicated significant skin absorption. It was concluded that significant amounts of inorganic lead compounds can be absorbed through the skin, and skin protection in lead-working or any contaminated environment should be carefully considered.|For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for Lead(II) Oxide (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

General symptoms of lead poisoning (delayed). Inhalation or ingestion causes abdominal pain (lead colic), metallic taste in mouth, loss of weight, pain in muscles, and muscular weakness. Dust may irritate eyes. (USCG, 1999)|Carcinogens

Consult physician after ingestion or exposure to high concentrations of dust. INGESTION: call physician at once; as first aid, induce vomiting and give milk and magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt). (USCG, 1999)

Fresh air, rest.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

An 89-year-old man acutely ingested approximately three ounces of a ceramic glaze preparation with a 30% lead oxide content. A blood lead level of 18 ug/dL was reported from a sample drawn within 1 hour of ingestion and just prior to gastric lavage. Following lavage, an abdominal radiograph demonstrated lead throughout the small intestine. Whole bowel irrigation was then undertaken and subsequent x-rays demonstrated clearing of all lead in the small bowel. At 16 and 24 hours post-ingestion, blood lead levels rose to 39 ug/dL and 42 ug/dL, respectively, and the patient then underwent a 5-day course of chelation therapy. ...|Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Lead and related compounds/|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Lead and related compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or is in severe respiratory distress. Moderate hyperventilation (20 respirations per minute) may be beneficial for increased intracranial pressure. Start IV administration of 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) TKO /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Lead and related compounds/|For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for Lead(II) Oxide (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/CASE REPORTS/ An 89-year-old man acutely ingested approximately three ounces of a ceramic glaze preparation with a 30% lead oxide content. A blood lead level of 18 ug/dL was reported from a sample drawn within 1 hour of ingestion and just prior to gastric lavage. Following lavage, an abdominal radiograph demonstrated lead throughout the small intestine. Whole bowel irrigation was then undertaken and subsequent x-rays demonstrated clearing of all lead in the small bowel. At 16 and 24 hours post-ingestion, blood lead levels rose to 39 ug/dL and 42 ug/dL, respectively, and the patient then underwent a 5-day course of chelation therapy. ...|/CASE REPORTS/ Acute lead encephalopathy in early infancy has been reported in a Middle Eastern study for 14 infants following the use of Bint al Dahab, a traditional medicine containing 91% lead monoxide ... .|/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ Twenty-seven one- to six-year-old children of 22 workers at a storage battery plant at high risk of exposure to lead oxide were compared with 32 one- to six-year-old children in 22 neighborhood control families for evidence of increased lead absorption. Workers' children had significantly higher blood lead (p< 0.001) and erythrocyte protoporphyrin (p < 0.003) values than control children. Household exposures to lead in paint and water were similar for the two groups, but workers' homes had significantly higher concentrations of lead in dust (p < 0.001). It is postulated that lead is brought home on the skin, hair and clothing of the workers and that their children are ingesting or inhaling the lead in household dust. This is the first report of increased lead absorption in children of workers in this industry.|/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ The effectiveness and practical utility of currently used monitoring parameters for lead exposure were evaluated. Concentration of blood lead, hemoglobin, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin, zinc protoporphyrin, and urinary lead were compared in 154 employees of a battery plant (SIC-3691) and a lead smelter (SIC-3332), and 163 age and sex matched comparisons not occupationally exposed to lead. Fumes of lead-oxide were collected with personal samplers for an 8 hour period and concentrations were measured by dithizone colorimetry. In both industries, air levels of lead oxide were above 0.05 mg/cu m. Good correlations were found between lead exposure level and elevations of all monitoring parameters. The most efficient discriminator was found to be blood lead level measurement.|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Lead(II) Oxide (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

lead dioxide

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

16% in the manufacture of glass, glaze and vitreous enamel; 5% as an auxiliary drier in varnishes; 1% as an activator in rubber compounding; 1% as a chemical intermediate for sodium plumbite; 77% in the manufacture of storage battery plates and in other applications (1972)|Lead oxide is the dominant commercial compound of lead, consuming 32.4% of the 1985 US lead consumption for storage batteries alone. Another 6.3% of lead production is used for oxides principally in paints, glass and ceramics products, and other pigments and chemicals.|1985 Consumption: Ceramics, 65,413 metric tons; Chrome pigments, 3,794 metric tons; Paints, 3,397 metric tons, Rubber, 739 metric tons; Other, 10,590 metric tons.|1997 Consumption: Storage battery oxides: 761,000 metric tons. /Storage battery oxides/

Grades: CP /chemically pure/, fused, powdered.|/Insecticide lead arsenate/ is formulated as pastes or powders. Pastes contain at least 28.4% PbO, 14% As2O5; powder contains at least 62% PbO, 32% As2O5 ...|... Lead forms a ... black oxide which normally contains 60-80% lead monoxide, the remainder being finely divided metallic lead.|Bint al Dahab, a traditional medicine containing 91% lead monoxide

All other chemical product and preparation manufacturing|Lead oxide (PbO): ACTIVE|For many years, the plates of lead/acid batteries have been produced from leady oxide, a mixture of finely divided lead ('free-lead') and lead monoxide. Although this material is generally satisfactory, it suffers from the disadvantages that it is variable in composition and requires complicated and lengthy processing after pasting to remove the residual free-lead. Plates made from leady oxide also require cycling before they achieve their full performance, and this can result in either depressed initial capacity or additional processing cost. There is a growing trend towards the use of pure lead monoxide for the production of positive plates.|In the earliest lead/acid battery, active material was formed electrochemically on the surface of a sheet of lead, which also served as the plate itself. Since that time, lead compounds (i.e., litharge, red lead, leady oxide) have been used to form the active mass, with better efficiency and performance. Many lead oxide production methods have existed, the predominant two are the 'ball mill' and the 'Barton pot' processes.|Azarcon (lead tetroxide) and Greta (lead oxide) are used by an estimated 7.2-12.1% of Mexican-Hispanic families for treatment of empacho. In Spanish, empacho means "blocked intestine" but it refers to any type of chronic digestive problem, including diverse symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, apathy, and lethargy. Azarcon and Greta are fine powders with total lead contents varying from 70% to >90%.|Hispanic children exposed to litargirio (also known as litharge or lead monoxide), a yellow or peach-colored powder used as an antiperspirant/deodorant and a folk remedy in the Hispanic community.|All lead-containing compounds are produced from pig lead through a series of steps, except for the small amount of lead in leaded zinc oxide for which high grade lead ore is used. Most lead compounds are prepared directly or indirectly from lead monoxide, commonly known as litharge. /Lead compounds/

Health Hazards -> Carcinogens