Working with lead sewer pipe
I thought I would mention something here about health issues beyond the usual that we always hear about lead and fumes. Lead sewer pipe. There are all kinds of pathogens and diseases that can be present in any kind of sewage pipes. Granted, lead pipes have probably been out of service and sitting for long enough that it is not an issue BUT, You never know. A friend of mine came down with Hepatitis after melting down a bunch of old sewer pipe. He does not know if that is where it came from since he had to handle some nasty stuff in his usual line of work also but it is something to think about. As a maintenance man I was required to get all of the preventative shots due to having to work on toilets and systems so I never really thought too much about it. But seeing the subject come up several times mentioning old sewer pipes just got me thinking of my buddy. Basically just wear gloves and wash up good after handling it, keep your hands out of your mouth. All of the things you should normally do with lead anyway. And stay out of the smoke. It would also be good to try to keep the smoke away from neighbors. (Unless you hate your neighbors).
