[cadman]

I know some of you guys pour a lot of lead like me, and well I went for my yearly lead test at the doctor's office. There were no trace amounts for the test to read, so my lead level reading is way below normal. I bring this up, because like a lot of guys we wait until it usually too late. This is not to scare anyone, but just an added pre-caution if you pour a lot of lead. This is what I've found out about the test. #1 Don't go to a lab to have it done. They will rip you off, about $125 - $200 for the test. #2 Go to your doctor, he can draw your blood and then send it to a lab, under his orders, in which he gets it a lot cheaper. My lead test cost me $30, in which I will do yearly. Like the doctor told me, high lead count is usually entered by mouth, or through your skin pours. So wash your hands often, and don't eat while you pour lead. I always wear latex gloves when I pour even in the summer. It keeps me from touching lead to a minimum. Anyway thought I'd pass on some info, and be safe out there.

[JBlaze]

Good post Cadman.
We should all take every precaution to avoid lead exposure, absorbtion and or ingestion. The latex gloves is a really good tip.

[Vodkaman]

All the recent posts on leads toxicity has got me paranoid. Every time I touch lead, I cannot wait to wash my hands. This is a GOOD thing and thanks to all those who talk about the safety issues, in many cases lessons learned by painful experience.

Good post Cadman.

[Spike-A-Pike]

Great post Ted - Safety always needs to be in the forefront of your mind when working with lead, plastic, etc. I know that there are a lot of members that have small kids. Kids love to be part of the action; but you need to active measures to protect them. The area you pour either lead or plastic has to be 110% kid proof and you need to secure all your equipment or lock down your work area to keep the kids away. Make sure don't have an opportunity to put lead in their mouth.

The general symptoms of lead poisoning are very general and nonspecific. These include nausea, sluggishness, vomiting, painful gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, colic, weakness and dehydration. These symptoms are common to many disorders and can often lead to inaccurate diagnosis. If these occur after a recent encounter with lead, be could be more serious than you realize.

Thanks again Ted for bringing up the subject and keeping us aware of the dangers and common sense method of monitoring for lead poisoning.

[MDC]

Good post Ted. I don't pour near as much lead as you do, but I have wondered if I should get tested. I've never had any symptoms, but it probably can't hurt.

[kelly]

Thanks ted. I should go get tested as well. You never notice small changes in your health over a long period. Thank you again.

[cadman]

Originally Posted by Spike-A-Pike

Great post Ted - Safety always needs to be in the forefront of your mind when working with lead, plastic, etc. I know that there are a lot of members that have small kids. Kids love to be part of the action; but you need to active measures to protect them. The area you pour either lead or plastic has to be 110% kid proof and you need to secure all your equipment or lock down your work area to keep the kids away. Make sure don't have an opportunity to put lead in their mouth.

The general symptoms of lead poisoning are very general and nonspecific. These include nausea, sluggishness, vomiting, painful gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, colic, weakness and dehydration. These symptoms are common to many disorders and can often lead to inaccurate diagnosis. If these occur after a recent encounter with lead, be could be more serious than you realize.

Thanks again Ted for bringing up the subject and keeping us aware of the dangers and common sense method of monitoring for lead poisoning.

Bruce,
You know the older I get the more I want to appreciate a longer lived life. Although I get tested for lead, I always think about the kids you guys have. I'm not talking about teenagers here, I'm talking about little tykes that want to see what daddy is doing. Guys by all means don't pour when you have little kids running around or pets that will distract you. As you all know whether lead or plastic, they both are very hot, and one act of distraction can burn you or god forbid one of your children. I guarantee if you burn yourself, it's an act of stupidity, if you accidently burn one of your children you will never forgive yourself. So if you have kids and they need your attention, pour at nightime, when they are sleeping, or really early in the morning when they aren't awake yet.

For all the other guys that commented in this thread. I'm not telling you what to do, but even if the going rate was $100 for a lead test. I personally still would have the test done. We will go out and buy a rod or reel for $150.00 without blinking an eye. I just think our health should come first. BTW Happy Father's Day to all you guys out there that have children..........Take care of them............