Lead hydroxide carbonate

Synonyms

Basic lead carbonate; Berlin White; CI Pigment White 1; Carbonic acid, lead salt, basic; Ceruse; Cerussa; Flake lead; Lead carbonate hydroxide; Lead subcarbonate; Lead, bis(carbonato(2-))dihydroxytri-; Lead, bis(carbonato)dihydroxytri-; Silver White; White lead; White lead, hydrocerussite; Trilead bis(carbonate) dihydroxide; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Lead Compounds, Inorganic

Description

White solid; Insoluble in water; [Merck Index] Off-white odorless powder; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Found naturally as the mineral hydrocerussite; [Merck Index] Used as pigment (exterior paints, ceramic glazes, temperature-sensitive inks, UV light reflective paints, and iridescent plastic sheets), catalyst for polyesters, curing agent for peroxides in polyethylene wire insulation, smudge-resistant film on electrically sensitive recording sheets, cool gun-propellant stabilizer, and heat stabilizer for PVC polymers; Also used in lubricating greases, nylon-reinforced fish nets made from PVC fibers, cements, and for making putty and lead carbonate paper and parchment; No longer used as a white hiding pigment in paints; [HSDB]

Comments

Report of atypical occupational lead intoxication in mason restoring 18th century church in Italy associated with paint made of basic lead carbonate; [HSDB] An irritant; Harmful by ingestion and inhalation; May cause reproductive and developmental toxicity; [Alfa Aesar MSDS] See "Lead" and linked occupational diseases.

Biomedical References

Lead in blood = 200 ug/L (20 ug/100 ml); sampling time not critical; [ACGIH]

0.05 mg/m3, as Pb

0.05 mg/m3, as Pb

Hemolytic anemia

Predominantly motor

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Yes

Probable (2a)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Confirmed Animal

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Cement Producing
• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)
• Pulp and Paper Processing

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Ceramics making
• Enameling