Litharge is a yellowish or reddish lead oxide, specifically known as lead(II) oxide or PbO. It is commonly produced by heating lead in air, resulting in a powder that is used in various industrial applications. Litharge is often utilized in the manufacture of glass, ceramics, and as a pigment in paints. In addition to its use in manufacturing, litharge plays a role in the production of lead-acid batteries. It can also be employed in the preparation of other lead compounds. However, due to the toxicity of lead, handling litharge requires caution and proper safety measures.