lead issues: Biomorph

[Biomorph]

I have been working in sheet lead, making low relief forms by repoussez. I know that lead has been used as a traditional medium, molded or beaten, but that was then and now all is hyper-concern for environmental risks. I believe that lead simply left in place as an art piece has no risks, although I recognize that in melting or abraiding in the course of fabrication problems can arise. Can I tell clients that they are not endangered by a lead wall hanging? I frequently seal with a matt finish, but don't feel this should be necessary.

[oddist]

Lead is still used for stained glass came.

At this site (http://www.anythinginstainedglass.com/metals/lead.html) however, they include a warning about the lead content of their came that you might want to use as a reference for some kind of statement to your clients.

Always better safe than sorry.

[EJB]

Much has been done in the public arena to remove lead from plumbing fixtures, paint, gasoline and the like. The reason is that lead does pose a very real and proven danger to health and public safety. Like so many artists materials the effects tend to be long term and cumulative. If you misuse it today you may not be sick or dead tomorrow but everyone will wonder why you had the brain aneurysm ten years later. Lead exposure poses the greatest risk to children and pregnant women. We are all exposed to some amounts of lead in the environment. Those who work directly with the pure form of it should be especially cautious to avoid the cumulative effects of this metal.

Lead is great stuff to work with because its excellent workability and softness (Not to mention the ability to shield you from the deliterious effects of Kryptonite). Melting, sanding, and filing lead can produce airborne particles which may be inhaled or ingested. Very bad. Because of the softness of lead, even coldworking can leave lead residue on hands, tools and work surfaces. For this reason it is VERY important to wear gloves and wash your hands very thoroughly after handling lead. It would also be a good idea not to eat your lunch off the same workbench. Sealing the lead surface with a coating can help reduce contamination through incidental handling. It would be a good idea to inform gallery folks about the cautions of handling lead, maybe throw in a few rubber gloves in the crate for their convenience.

Other than that, there is little safety risk from a piece hanging on the wall (unless it falls off onto someone). I would even promote the potential safey factor with regards to the Kryptonite.

[Araich]

You can tell them that your work, if left alone, poses no risk. But you will find a resistance in the community to lead. An exception I have noticed is coated lead, like copper or tin coated lead sheet.

Lead also has a sweet taste and should be kept out of reach of children.

[fritchie]

As I said in the adjoining thread started by Araich, noone is suggesting that pewter objects, which are made with lead alloy, be discarded, but you are advised not to use pewter in food consumption.

[Biomorph]

Araich: Thanks for sensible advice. You mention cooper or tin coated lead sheet. I have not run across this in surfing metal suppliers. Can you give me any leads [as it were]? Biomorph

[Araich]

John, I've never used it myself but a friend of mine uses it all the time. Take a glance at his website (http://www.geoffreybartlett.com).

[Blacksun]

interesting thread... I am currently sitting (figuratively of course) on a 30 feet high church steeple that is sheathed entirely in lead coated copper sheets. My problem is I can't find anywhere / anyone to dispose of the material...toxicity is such a touchy subject.... Anyone have any ideas? I'm in SE USA if you know of a recycler....

[fritchie]

You could remove the copper from the overall material electrolytically, but I can't begin to estimate the cost or practicality. That's probably what an appropriate recycler would do, but it would take one “in the business".

[Blacksun]

The recycle problem solved itself....I went to the storage yard where this lead covered copper was only to find some enterprising individual had hauled it all off... Don't know what he was going to do with it and really don't want to know...just glad it's no longer my worry.....