Lead has common uses in which applications?

• A. Paints, batteries, pipes.
• B. Clothing fabrics.
• C. Pharmaceuticals.
• D. Food additives.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is recognizing where lead is commonly used based on its material properties and safety profile. Lead has long been used in paints for its durable pigments, in batteries for lead-acid chemistry, and in plumbing pipes because it is malleable and easy to work with. In paints, lead compounds provided strong coverage and brightness; in lead-acid batteries, the chemistry relies on lead and lead dioxide to store energy; in piping, lead’s softness allowed easy fabrication of joints and fittings. Because lead is highly toxic, its uses are tightly regulated today, and many applications are avoided or restricted for safety reasons.