Technical overview
ASTM B29 covers refined lead in pig, block or hog form in several grades: low-bismuth low-silver pure lead, refined pure lead, pure lead and chemical-copper lead.
Lead sheet is used for radiation shielding (X-ray and gamma) in hospitals and laboratories, for roofing and flashing, and for protection against acids in storage and handling.
Grades & standards
Grades are distinct materials — properties and uses below apply to the named grade only.
ASTM B29 grades
Pure lead / refined pure lead / chemical-copper lead
Composition: Composition limits per grade — confirm against ASTM B29
- Chemical-copper lead for chemical-resistant applications
Listed specifications: ASTM B29
Forms
Typical industry forms for this material. They are not a stock list — form, size and availability are confirmed per enquiry.
- Sheet
- Ingot
- Strip
- Seal
- Shots
Applications & industries
- Radiation shielding in hospitals and laboratories (sheet)
- Roofing and flashing
- Acid-resistant linings and tanks
- Alloy and solder production (ingot)
- Sealing (lead seals)
Selection notes & limitations
- Shielding thickness must be designed for the radiation source — we do not provide shielding design.
⚠ Lead exposure and regulation
Lead is a regulated toxic metal. OSHA links chronic occupational exposure to kidney, cardiovascular and nervous-system effects. Handling, cutting or melting lead requires appropriate controls; request the SDS and check local restrictions for your application.
Source: US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
What to specify when requesting a quote
- 1Product (sheet, ingot, strip, seal or shots) and size / thickness / weight
- 2For shielding: required lead thickness or lead-equivalence from your designer
- 3Grade and the standard it must conform to (ASTM, EN, IS, UNS or your drawing)
- 4Form and dimensions — thickness or diameter, width, length and tolerances
- 5Approximate quantity, and whether the requirement is one-off or recurring
- 6Intended application, so the grade can be cross-checked before quoting
- 7Documents required — e.g. mill test certificate, chemical analysis, certificate of conformity
- 8Delivery city / site and the date you need material by
Documents buyers may request
Mill test certificate
e.g. EN 10204 type 3.1 inspection certificate, where the producing mill issues one
Chemical analysis report
heat / lot composition against the specified grade
Certificate of conformity
confirming the material meets the ordered standard
Heat / lot traceability
heat numbers marked on material and documents
Dimensional inspection report
for cut-to-size or machined material
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
especially for lead, beryllium-, cadmium- or lead-bearing products
Which documents can be provided depends on the source mill and is confirmed with each quotation.
Frequently asked questions
Which forms are listed?
Our product list names lead sheet, ingot, strip, seal and shots. Sizes and current availability are confirmed per enquiry.
Sources & technical references
- ASTM B29 — Standard Specification for Refined Lead — ASTM International. Checked 2026-10-14.Full standard is paywalled — only the public abstract and scope on astm.org were read. Composition tables were not accessed.
- Lead sheet for X-ray radiation shielding — Gravita India Ltd (lead producer). Checked 2026-10-14.
- Lead — Health Effects — US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Checked 2026-10-14.
