Editing Lead (section)

=== Compounds ===
[[File:Crystal_glass.jpg|thumb|[[Lead glass]]|alt=A crystal glass|left]]
[[File:PbCrO4 and PbCrO4•PbO.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Lead(II) chromate|Lead yellow]] and [[Lead(II,IV) oxide|lead red]]|right]]

In addition to being the main application for lead metal, lead–acid batteries are also the main consumer of lead compounds. The energy storage/release reaction used in these devices involves [[Lead(II) sulfate|lead sulfate]] and [[lead dioxide]]:{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}
:{{chem|Pb}}(s) + {{chem|PbO|2}}(s) + 2{{chem|H|2|SO|4}}(aq) → 2{{chem|PbSO|4}}(s) + 2{{chem|H|2|O}}(l)

Other applications of lead compounds are very specialized and often fading. Lead-based coloring agents are used in [[ceramic glaze]]s and glass, especially for red and yellow shades.{{sfn|Burleson|2001|p=23}} While lead paints are phased out in Europe and North America, they remain in use in less developed countries such as China,{{sfn|Insight Explorer|IPEN|2016}} India,{{sfn|Singh|2017}} or Indonesia.{{sfn|Ismawati|Primanti|Brosché|Clark|2013|p=2}} Lead tetraacetate and lead dioxide are used as oxidizing agents in organic chemistry. Lead is frequently used in the [[polyvinyl chloride]] coating of electrical cords.{{sfn|Zweifel|2009|page=438}}{{sfn|Wilkes|Summers|Daniels|Berard|2005|p=106}} It can be used to treat candle wicks to ensure a longer, more even burn. Because of its toxicity, European and North American manufacturers use alternatives such as zinc.{{sfn|Randerson|2002}}{{sfn|Nriagu|Kim|2000|pp=37–41}} [[Lead glass]] is composed of 12–28% [[Lead(II) oxide|lead oxide]], changing its optical characteristics and reducing the transmission of ionizing radiation,{{sfn|Amstock|1997|pp=116–119}} a property used in old TVs and computer monitors with [[cathode-ray tube]]s. Lead-based [[semiconductor]]s such as [[lead telluride]] and [[lead selenide]] are used in [[Photovoltaics|photovoltaic]] cells and [[infrared]] detectors.{{sfn|Rogalski|2010|pp=485–541}}