Food for thought

[Labrador1]

I have been thinking a lot about safety issues lately - between fumes, chemicals, wood dust, machines etc. plug building can have its dangers. One change I recently made and thought I would throw it out there for others to consider, is that I stopped using lead for weights. I started thinking about the fact that I have two little girls at home - and they occasionally visit the shop - or that I might have lead on my hands or clothes when I go home at the end of the day - and decided to find alternatives. I'm not an expert with respect to molds etc - but there are a number of products that can be melted and poured without the health risks of lead. I have a guy who pours mine for me - and I'm not exactly sure what the stuff is, but basically it weighs aprox 2/3 what lead does. Seemed to me like a pretty small trade off - No more fear of toxic dust or fumes around my kids or myself - and all that I had to do was drill a slightly larger hole for my weights. Just thought I'd pass that along.

Ryan

[Backbeach Jake]

You're correct, Ryan. It would be a tragedy if our fun hobby wound up hurting us or someone we love. It's best to be aware of our materials' hazards. We've discussed the Minwax WoodHardener and it's effects. As well as Paint fumes. ( BOTH waterbased latex acrylics and hydrocarbon based spray cans. Be informed and be safe. Thanks for bringing this Safety subject up again Ryan, we can't consider it enough.

[BigFish]

Is it bismuth tin Ryan? (Spelling may be incorrect)

[Labrador1]

Larry - there are a number of different options. I think the major component in what i use is tin - but there are some with silver, bismuth etc. Just seemed like a pretty simple way for me to use one less toxic substance.

[BigFish]

I hear you there...been thinking about that myself lately.

[Diamond Tackle]

Ryan,
I hear what you are saying & Not to say that you are overreacting, BUT
As a kid, and not knowing any better, I chewed on many LEAD split shots every time I went trout fishing, never had a problem(knock on wood). Oh,I almost forgot about the Lead pencils we chewed on in school, and you know what? the gasoline and the paint had lead in it too,but somehow we survived it all.

Common sense safety precautions go a long way. Use gloves whenever handling lead, do NOT melt the stuff on your kitchen stove,you need proper ventilation equipment, dont eat, smoke,drink,wipe your eyes,mouth, nose etc if there is lead residue on your fingers. I guess its just second nature with me now. You have to respect PB,just as you have to respect tools for example, like a sawblade that runs at 10,000RPM and can rip your finger,hand or arm clean off with just ONE mistake.
With lead its cumulative, if you were to do something foolish , your next blood test WILL show it.
go to DOITMOLDS website for some really good safety Tips & recommendations. and yes, leave the lead casting to the experts if you feel strongly enough about it.
you are correct, Bismuth is a good harmless metal alloy for weights, but I would not throw away my lead sinkers just yet esp if you are bottom fishing, it could get pricey real fast.

just MY .02



ps
Strictest state is Ca.
this is the required labeling of all products containing ANY lead
PROP 65 WARNING: This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.