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What makes lead such a magic substance that makes it used in many places and hard to replace?

I know leaded solder wires have lower melting temp. What else?

Cheap, abundant, easy to acquire, easy to transport, inert, mostly harmless if left alone, maintains its properties in harsh conditions over extended periods of times, mixes well with some other chemicals.

Very harmful if ingested or absorbed, directly or indirectly.

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