My parents think I could get lead poisoning from melting lead. What should I say?

[letsmeltlead2693]

How can I convince my parents that me melting lead won't give me lead poisoning? I melt lead outside and I wear a respirator when I melt raw WW down but don't wear one when I melt clean lead ingots into sinkers. How can I convince them that lead is not going to get me sick if I am careful?

[southpaw]

Promise them that you won't eat any of the lead ;). Melting the lead is the least likely way to get lead poisoning. Well atleast for me, I try not to touch the things that will burn me.

Best way I think would be is to get all the facts together and present them to your parents with a list of all the things that you are going to do to be safe and lead poisoning free.

Jerry Jr.

[runfiverun]

eating it is really the #1 way of getting increased lead levels.
lead does not give off fumes unless you heat it up to well over 1,000*.
dust is the second way to get it into your system.
use a damp rag to clean up with.

[letsmeltlead2693]

I have told them already that lead metal is not toxic as a whole. It is toxic if it is in dust, oxide form, and if you put it in your mouth and eat it. I even told them lead does not make vapors at normal melting temps, the vapor is heavier than the air around us and it sinks. I even tell my dad the lead ingots in the garage is no hazard in whole metal form, unless it makes dust. He even brings up people in lead mines hundreds of years ago got lead poisoning. I tell him that the people in lead mines were exposed to lead oxides and other more toxic metals. I basically tell them lead poisoning is from lead oxides and lead salts NOT from metallic lead.

[SlowSmokeN]

Ask them how is it possible to get lead poisoning when you are wearing a respirator. You could also offer to change your hobby to smoking crack if it would make them feel better.

[Defcon-One]

Sounds to me like you know what you're doing and understand the minimal risks involved. You are taking the right and reasonable precautions to prevent any exposure. In fact, you probably know more about this subject than they do!

Educate them as best you can and point out that they are basing their opinions on false information and emotion. Then remind them that you are a well-informed adult!

If that doesn't work, they are probably not mature enough to handle this issue so you'll have to make a decision to make a stand or quit.

Good Luck!

[letsmeltlead2693]

They don't want to to do any drug of any kind except prescriptions. Plus I really can't get lead poisoning if I melt outside can I?

[fatelk]

It sounds like your folks care about your health. It also sounds like you have researched your facts. If you find the relevant info from reputable sources, print it out, give it to them, and show them you are careful; it might help.

My mom is still worried about my "lead poisoning", and I have been on my own for a very long time. I melted lead as a teenager and wasn't as careful as I should have been. I even melted old car batteries (I seriously don't recommend it- nasty mess and way too much work for very little lead, not to mention that IS a health hazard).

My mom was on me about it again just a couple months ago, telling me I probably had lead poisoning from all those years of melting lead. I finally had to tell her that I recently had it tested, and it was well in the normal range (5), and my doctor had looked at me funny when I asked for it to be tested. I told him I sometimes melted lead. He said "You're not eating it are you?"

He said that so long as you follow some basic safety practices (wash your hands, don't let dust accumulate) melting metallic lead is really not a lead poisoning concern. That said, I keep all my casting stuff away from my kids. I understand that young kids are much more sensitive to lead than adults. I care about my kids' health and won't take any chances.

[letsmeltlead2693]

My dad also said today, he was thinking about going to get me tested for lead soon. I should be in the normal range, shouldn't I if I get tested? What is the normal or just below exposure limit? I have melted lead for almost 2 years, and only melt lead an average of 3 times a month. This is an average not the exact amount. I sometimes melt lead several times a week, or not melt lead for a month. It just depends on the weather.

[Jailer]

Getting tested is a good thing to do anyway if for no other reason than to establish a baseline number. I recently had myself tested just for this reason.

Do it for yourself and to put your parents minds at ease.

[letsmeltlead2693]

Just to be extra safe, I should wear a respirator, even though I melt outside. Do you think a 3M Series 2091 HEPA filter cartridge that is P100 P3-BR filter would work for lead fumes and dust? I read the manual it says non toxic dust, but some websites say this cartridge works great for lead melting. Any idea if this will work? I have two pairs of these so I would like to know so they aren't just sitting around.

[stubshaft]

There is no harm in wearing the respirator and if it pacifies you parents then better for you. The question is not whether it works but rather, is there a real need for it.

[fatelk]

My dad also said today, he was thinking about going to get me tested for lead soon.
I agree, great idea. When it comes back in the normal range that could ease their fears. If it comes back high for some reason, then something must be wrong and you sure want to know about it.

As to a respirator, I wear one all the time at work, but never once for melting lead. Can't hurt, but I sure don't think it's necessary.

[letsmeltlead2693]

It shouldn't be high. I melt lead outside and don't melt it enough to get poisoning. I only melt a few times a week if the weather is nice and usually I will melt lead once or twice a week. Then I will not melt lead for a week or two and then melt it again.

[AndyC]

Show them the section on safety from the book "From Ingot to Target: A Cast Bullet Guide for Handgunners"

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Safety.htm

[Ole]

I would ask for a lead level blood test from your doctor. Show the results to your parents for "proof" that your hobby isn't hurting you.

I've been casting for over 2 years and I recently had mine checked and it was 6.

[mold maker]

Have Dad get his blood tested for a comparison. Everyone is exposed to lead to a degree. Everyone will have some in their blood. Have the Dr. explain this to Dad to rid him of concerns. I've cast since the early 60s, and really heavily since retiring. My blood level is always "4" which is low normal.
Considering that lots of us melt old sewer pipe, and dirty WWs , it's only common sense to wash your hands before eating or putting them to your face. You also know enough, not to inhale the dust generated.
Fluxing, dipping off the dross, and disposing of it, is where the danger lies. The dross contains the fine, dangerous lead oxides, where most all of the hazard lies. If not properly handled, these become airborne, and easily inhaled. At least, the area used, and your clothes will need to be cleaned, each time.

[Grandpas50AE]

I started casting in 1973 on the kitchen stove with not much ventilation, did that for a few years, then got my own house and moved the casting to the garage where there was good ventialtion. Been doing it that way ever since. I have cast more than 3/4 million boolits since 1973, without respirator. I DO use gloves (keeps burns at bay), protective eye wear, long pants and long sleeve shirts. Three years ago I decided to have my blood lead level tested, and have re-tested the past two years. It has yet to exceed "2". As long as you wash your hands well after casting and before handling anything going to your mouth, I don't think you will have a problem. If your BLL goes a bit high, there may be some ither form of exposure you're experiencing and unaware of.

You are showing that you are doing your research well, so find some of the authoritative publications on how lead gets absorbed in unhealthful amounts, and I think you will have your proof for your parents that your casting hobby, with reasonable precautions, will not be much of a risk.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

Probably the best way to ease the concern of your parents is an a appointment with the family doctor to go over the factual information that you have on the subject. They need to have him explain that you are working outdoors, wear correct safety equipment and that lead is only a concern when it is ingested by careless handling. Both of your parents should be present and willing to be receptive to the advice of the doctor. LLS

[cbrick]

For sure have your blood lead level checked. Also a wise idea to have your dad have his checked at the same time.

The single biggest worry you should have is if you shoot at a poorly ventilated indoor range. The next biggest concern is handling your brass tumbling media and not washing your hands instantly after doing so. Lead styphnate from the priming compound accumulates in the media and is a prime source of lead contamination.

I have handled, melted & cast lead alloys nearly daily for over 30 years. I have diabetes and so have blood tests 3 or 4 times a year and always have the doctor also check lead levels simply for the peace of mind. My blood lead level has never been higher than low average adult levels.

Lead does not fume when melted until upwards of 1,000 degrees, far too hot for bullet casting. Lead is not radioactive, it cannot jump out and get you. You really do have to ingest it (eat it) to get it in you. Lead does not, cannot absorb through skin. Use good ventilation, keep the casting area clean, wash your hands as soon as your finished, no sandwhich eating while casting, no nose picking etc and there really is very little to worry about. Actually just do the common sense things.

Rick

[montana_charlie]

Probably the best way to ease the concern of your parents is an a appointment with the family doctor to go over the factual information that you have on the subject.
That should work if the doctor isn't a lead-hating liberal environmentalist.
They exist in all walks of life, you know ... and some are parents.

CM

[mallardsx2]

My parents said that masturbation would make me go blind but i'm still driving cars.

I do wear glasses though...

[454PB]

Whenever I read one of these concerns about lead ingestion, I think back to the time when I was an ardent fisherman. I bet I bit-shut (with my teeth) 1000 lead split shot.

Now, after casting tons of boolits over the last 40 years, no lead concentrations above normal, and I still have all my teeth. Not bad for 62 years old.

[nicholst55]

My dad also said today, he was thinking about going to get me tested for lead soon. I should be in the normal range, shouldn't I if I get tested? What is the normal or just below exposure limit? I have melted lead for almost 2 years, and only melt lead an average of 3 times a month. This is an average not the exact amount. I sometimes melt lead several times a week, or not melt lead for a month. It just depends on the weather.

Obviously, the only thing that is going to satisfy your parents is to have your blood tested. Do it, and ask the doctor about lead safety in the presence of your parents. Explain the steps you are taking to him/her. When the doctor says 'Well, it sounds like you're taking all the necessary safety precautions,' and your test results come back, perhaps this will lessen your parent's concerns.

It sounds to me like your parents have been exposed to a lifetime of the nanny state telling them that 'this is harmful,' like so many of us have. They've never researched the subject because they had no reason to until now, and some 'figure of authority' (your doctor) is going to have to tell them that what you're doing is safe.

[nicholst55]

My parents said that masturbation would make me go blind but i'm still driving cars.

I do wear glasses though...

Excessive information, there mallardsx2! :roll:

[popper]

As blood testing for lead isn't cheap, I'd make a wager that he pays the bills and gets off your case if the test results are OK. It's win-win, if the levels are HIGH, he can buy J-B for you to shoot as well as pay the doc bills to get you fixed. Sometimes us older folks need a challenge.

[williamwaco]

You probably can't convince your parents of anything.
I never could.
Even when I was 65 and he was 89, my father still thought I didn't know anything.
This is just human nature.

Get them a Lyman Cast Bullet manual and show them the history of casting.

Look up some of the oldtimers here.

I have been casting bullets for 56 years. I get lead tested about once every five years and the results are always normal.

Start a new thread with this question:

How long have you been casting?

Have you ever been tested for lead?

If so what was the results?

Do you know anyone who has ever tested positive for lead without actually eating it?

We would all be interested in those answers.




Welcome to the forum, and welcome to the human race.
Every single one of us has two parents.

Most us were lucky enough to know them.


.

[bob208]

only way is get a blood test then one year later get another one if no increase then there is your proof.

[Hardcast416taylor]

My dad also said today, he was thinking about going to get me tested for lead soon. I should be in the normal range, shouldn't I if I get tested? What is the normal or just below exposure limit? I have melted lead for almost 2 years, and only melt lead an average of 3 times a month. This is an average not the exact amount. I sometimes melt lead several times a week, or not melt lead for a month. It just depends on the weather.



I`ve only been casting lead bullets for 50+ years. I can`t really begin to figure how many hundreds of pounds of lead I smelt down for the lead from other objects, Wheel Weights etc., and already refined lead alloy for bullet casting I do yearly. I get a yearly physical, I`m old. Thus far no lead level has ever shown up in my blood test results, even when I request a specific testing be done for lead.Robert

[popper]

You probably can't convince your parents of anything.
I never could. Unless there is MONEY on the table.

[letsmeltlead2693]

When I melt lead I, I only melt 25lbs at the most at a time. I will tell them people have been melting lead for 50+ years and they are sick from lead poisoning. I will prove to him when I get tested, my lead levels will be normal like everyone else.

[williamwaco]

Are there any medical doctors on this forum.

I know those guys cast bullets too.

I have known several who did.

Unfortunately , they all died of old age around 90.


.

[williamwaco]

How can I convince my parents that me melting lead won't give me lead poisoning? I melt lead outside and I wear a respirator when I melt raw WW down but don't wear one when I melt clean lead ingots into sinkers. How can I convince them that lead is not going to get me sick if I am careful?

HEY. MELTS!

Tune your mother int this one:



http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/lead-found-400-lipsticks-report-food-drug-administration-article-1.1024418#ixzz1mmIbNjNyAccording



.

[cbrick]

HEY. MELTS!

Tune your mother into this one:

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/lead-found-400-lipsticks-report-food-drug-administration-article-1.1024418#ixzz1mmIbNjNyAccording

:mrgreen: I heard that on the news the other day but didn't make the connection with this thread. That's true, your mother is getting more lead than you and she's doing it on purpose by putting it right on her mouth.

Rick

[Tar Heel]

Listen to your parents. I didn't and look what happened to me.

[c3d4b2]

May not help your cause........ and cause you some grief..... but you might bring up the concern over lipstick....

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/lead-found-400-lipsticks-report-food-drug-administration-article-1.1024418#ixzz1mmIbNjNy

[Gtek]

It is sad that the gun haters, frog lickers and tree huggers are so well spoken for in the media. The indoc has been absorbed for the last forty years or so. Anybody remember the crying Native American standing next to the road. I wonder how much trash is created at your average casino daily. I wish you luck with your quest to educate and sway your parents EMOTIONAL fears. Gtek

[canyon-ghost]

Pretty simple, wash your hands at every pause or when you're done. Best precaution there is.

Good Luck,
Ron

[MtGun44]

Wash your hands after handling lead, assume any casting or reloading area is contaminated
and do not eat, drink or smoke - anything that gets into your mouth - in the contaminated
zone. The respirator is baloney, but if it is what they say you need to do, go for it. Lead's
vapor pressure at casting temps is something like 10 to the -6 power (one millionth) of one
mm of mercury pressure. Look up what normal sea level air pressure is in mm of mercury
to compare. Basically zero lead vaporizes at the air pressure and temps that we work
at.

Understand that they are being prudent in their ignorance, they care about your health.

Do the blood test and ask to do it again in a couple months.

Write a research paper for them on lead hygene, using reputable sources, keep footnotes of
EXACTLY where you found each particular piece of info. Make this research paper answer all
your parent's concerns with proper real industrial hygene methods, then DO them religiously. Show
your parents that you are concerned too, and that you went out (maybe to a library?) and
located factual info. This will be good for you in more ways than just the lead safety,
and will help your parents see that you are being sensible and prudent.

Lead hygene is no joke, especially for younger people, but it is not rocket science and simple
rules of washing, etc will keep you safe. You just have to convince your parents.

Bill

[Beagler]

Show him this post and other stuff on this sight. I work around molten, solid, and lead oxide everyday (Maint/Mechanic for Deka Battery). As long as you dont eat the stuff you will be fine.

[scb]

This probably won't help your cause with your parents but FYI. I've been casting boolits for 40 years now. (you have no idea how much it hurts to type that) I also worked as a gunsmith for 18 years. During that time one of my jobs was soldering double barreled shotguns back together. I did that off and on for 15 years or so. They are soldered with lead tin solder. You have to remove the ribs completely. carefully with a torch. Then everything is cleaned, we used a sandblaster with a very fine grit. Next all the pieces are tined. The parts are heated again with a torch, flux is applied and then a coating of solder is melted on to the parts. While they are still hot and the solder if still flowing the solder is wiped off so that only a very thin layer is on the steel parts. The problem is that there are small nooks and crannies that the solder just can't be wiped out of. So we would would blow the molten solder out with compressed air. This would of course blow solder every where. Even after all this exposure I had my lead level checked last year and it is perfectly normal.

[letsmeltlead2693]

I tell him that you people melt lead for a long time, but he thinks you are just saying stuff and are suffering from poisoning. I believe you people, but I don't know why my dad would think you people are lying.

[Norbrat]

I tell him that you people melt lead for a long time, but he thinks you are just saying stuff and are suffering from poisoning. I believe you people, but I don't know why my dad would think you people are lying.

Sadly, there are many people who's attitude is "I've made up my mind and I don't care how much you can show me that I'm wrong, I will not change my mind!"

[letsmeltlead2693]

He thinks because it is people on the computer, he thinks they are not honest and not trustworthy. He has never used a computer so he doesn't know what he is talking about. I don't blame him because there is 1 out of 20 people on the computer that aren't honest, but I think all of you guys are honest and trustworthy.

[Nose Dive]

Mmmm Interesting Post....even more interesting answers.....

What concerns me is our safety contribution when smelting.... Gloves. Yes. Safety Glasses. Yes. Leather, fire safe outer garments...yes. Respirator. YES. Leather boots. Yes. Face Shield. Yes. And cleanlieness afterward...yes.

So... Prevention is much better than all the testing suggested. I too have been casting for 25 years. Yes...I do wear safety gear every time I fire up my pot. See above for the appropriate attire.

Nose Dive

Cheap, Fast, Good. Kindly Pick two.

[runfiverun]

tell him about the calcified steam [condensed water vapor] that comes outta the dish washer and that your mom shouldn't be breathing that.
when he asks where you heard that tell him they have updated the science books since 1980.
no you better not tell him that.
just tell him he's right,
and you've decided to buy a motorcycle and you are gonna soup it up.
or you are gonna to be a music d.j. like your hero steve aoki.

i ain't no good at this stuff, i had graduated high school and moved out by the time i was 18.
i joined the military and pretty much done what i wanted.