I hope this threat becomes a sticky for new casters. Lead toxicity has been on mind and I want to know what other casters are doing in their shop to avoid lead poisoning for themselves and family. First, I think the public's perception of lead is far overblown. It's led to lead bullet bans for hunting. People who hear I cast think I'm handling the Covid 19 virus. Personally, I think that if a caster works safely, everything will be fine. So, how do you cast and keep lead exposure to a minimum?
Here are some things I do or did so please chime in. Initially, I made a flu that fit under my garage door to blow the smell from the pot outside. The pot was inside the flu and the fan blew air and fumes into the flu and outside. I wanted to keep the garage closed because of my nosey neighbors. But, I'm giving up on this method. First, it's uncomfortable to sit on the ground. Second, wind can blow the fumes back into the garage. And third, there is lead residue from the spru plate on the garage floor. I sweep up what I can and toss it into my pot. The rest I either sweep up and toss it or sweep it outside and later wash it to the street. I like to wash my garage floor with soap and water.
Now, I cast from a table at the entrance of my garage when it's raining. The breeze blows the fumes away. Neighbors stay indoors. pieces of lead are on an aluminum tray that I fold and pour the pieces of lead into. Any oxidized ingots turn color but never has that powder substance on it. I immediately toss my clothes in the wash and shower. I've been washing my hands but should I but that lead soap?