Thought I would look up some of my old notes and list some data on lead. Lead is much in the news today, and I believe much of it is hype. We endanger ourselves just by living, and we are all going to die. Having said that, we don't want to be stupid and shorten whatever time we are allotted. So, here are some facts for you to use to make judgements from.
Lead melts at approximately 620degrees F. This will vary of course dependent on elevation and atmospheric pressure, but not by much. Lead boil or vaporizes at 5173 degrees F. The quickest way to get any substance into you body short of injecting it into a vein, is to inhale it.
Put this into perspective. A Lyman lead pot is adjustable from 200 - 1000 degrees F., well below the vaporization point of lead.
However an oxy-acetelene torch reachs over 6000 degrees. Many kilns and forges also exceed the vaporization point of lead. If you use the tools designed for the job, you run little risk of inhaling lead vapor. To absorb measureable amounts of lead through the skin would require long term and constant exposure. Therefore, use leather gloves, don't eat or smoke while handling or smelting lead.
Almost all of us have heard of, or perhaps know someone who has a bullet in their body that cannot safely be removed. Therefore the Doc's leave it there. My Dad carried one all his life as a result of WWII. Why don't these people die of lead poisoning?
So, here are the rules taught to me by those who are supposed to know:
1.) Ventilate the work area, with the air flow pulling any possible vapor away from you.
2.) Wear protective clothing and eye protection. One little drop of water in molten lead will cause it to "explode" everywhere. I once had this happen, and it looked like I had the measles where my skin was exposed. If I had not had face protection, (a shield), I might have been in serious trouble. Long sleeve cotton shirts, long pant, gloves, face shield, ventilation. Thats what you need.
3.) After handling lead, wash your hands before eating or smoking, etc.
4.) Don't overheat the lead. You can heat lead with an electric hot plate, a propane burner, (capable of 3000 - 3500 degrees), and below vaporiztion point. Do not use an acetelene rig.....too hot. As noted above, a lead pot made for that purpose is ideal.
I use up hundreds of pounds of lead every year, get tested annually, and my lead level is alway well below the point of concern...actually unmeasureable.
Old ceramics used a lead glaze, now outlawed. Gasoline used lead as a valve lubricant and anti - knock additive, now outlawed. We were in far greater danger from these sources.
There are medications that will hasten the body to remove lead. It will deal with minute amounts on it's own. We are in contact with minute amounts of lead every time we plant a flower, or eat a vegetable, its in the soil everywhere on earth, but normally in tiny amounts that are almost unmeasureable.
Work safe and have fun.
Ben
