[Jewelry making - Article 00184] - Re: [Orchid] Recasting old 18K...nasty alloy?

[Bruce Holmgrain]

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    My first reaction when I see white smoke coming off of molten gold
    is to assume that the smoke is zinc that is burning off. Some have
    suggested that zinc is a toxin and while it is true that the human
    body can absorb zinc in such a state and induce a case of "zinc
    shakes",  I am not particularly concerned about them. My
    understanding is that with some time, them body will recover. What
    does concern me today is the unknown quantity of cadmium that may be
    involved with melting and remelting scrap golds containing cadmium.
    Cadmium is a carcinogen. A lot of us have been ignoring this cact for
    a lot of years. At this late date I use cadmium free solders, but if
    I am melting someone elses gold, I have no idea what is in it. 

    Anyone have any thoughts? 

    Perhaps Dr. Aspler is privy to some data on the possible toxins in
    scrap materials? 


Bruce Holmgrain
JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler
http://www.goldwerx.com 

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