Lead has many uses and applications, and was even more commonly used in the past:
- Stained glass windows, especially in older churches, use lead to hold the glass pieces in place;
- some boats strap pure lead blocks to their hulls to prevent corrosion by galvanisation;
- fishing sinkers, bullets and shot shells are mostly lead because of its density;
- car batteries use a reaction with lead to create energy;
- the solder in most circuits uses lead;
- pewter mugs and other items (now a health hazard) contain lead;
- lead is used as shielding in radioactive situations (x-ray rooms, radiation suits and other such areas);
Environmental concerns have led to restrictions on lead used in paints, but many homes built in the 20th century and before may have these potentially toxic paints.
Electronic devices should not be disposed of in landfills but rather be properly recycled.