Is it dangerous to melt lead?

Question

My sister wants to make ornaments of some sort and wants to use lead. Is it dangerous to a)melt and work with lead and b) have it in your home?

Answer 1

Yes it is.

Answer 2

Haven't you heard of all of those Mattel recalls because of the lead-based paint? If it's the toys are so dangerous they're getting a recall, then lead is obviously dangerous in your home. Also we don't have lead pipes...at least I'm hoping people don't.

Answer 3

Yes

It is very dangerous to melt lead.  The vapors can be inhaled, and the lead can be absorbed by the skin.  If you do not get all of it off your hands it can be injested.  Mild lead poisoning causes mental retardation and severe poisoning causes convulsions, coma, and death.  Almost all lead that was once used in common items has been replaced with a tin/antimony mix.  Lead, like asbestos, may be a very useful substance, but as we have found out over the years, it is very dangerous and needs to be handled as such.  Do not melt lead in your house, and do not keep pure lead bars or filings in your house.

For industrial use only!!

Answer 4

i'm sure it's not as terrible as the alarmist want you to believe.  we've been melting lead at our hunting camp for 40 years making decoy anchors without any ill-effects.

Answer 5

Yes it's very dangerous...molten lead gives off toxic fumes, not to mention the fact of possible burns and just handling lead can be absorbed through your skin.