Which of the following materials was historically used that contained lead?

The choice indicating paint as a material historically containing lead is correct due to the widespread use of lead-based paints prior to regulatory changes in the late 20th century. Lead was commonly added to paint to enhance durability, speed up drying time, and improve the brilliance of colors. These properties made lead-containing paints particularly popular for both residential and commercial applications.

However, the harmful health effects associated with lead exposure, particularly in children, led to significant public health initiatives and legislative measures, resulting in a ban on the use of lead in residential paints in many countries, including the United States.

Considering the other materials mentioned, while glass and cement can include a variety of additives, they were not typically known for containing lead in the same specific, prevalent way that paints did. Plywood, composed of layers of wood veneer, does not inherently include lead as a component. Therefore, paint stands out as the most historically significant material where lead content was common.