[Jewelry making - Article 01138] - Re: [Orchid] Environmental lead contamination

[John Donivan]

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>     At work I was surrounded by lead containing things and, for a time
>     at least, worked on repairing lead water and gas pipes involving
>     blowlamps and lead fumes as did the amusement I had in the 50's and
>     60's of casting lead toys from old molds I was given.... has lead
>     changed - or maybe the human physiology?? 

    No, Ian, nothing has changed, least of all chemistry and physiology.
    One theory postulates that the use of lead piping was a major factor
    in the fall of the Roman Empire - you call your pipes "lead", but
    it's unlikely they are, really. Even in Europe they haven't been used
    in a century or so - but maybe you do have them. There's another
    theory that the IQ of children in America is lower by some 10% than
    it might be because of leaded gas and a generally casual attitude
    towards lead. I agree with you that chemical paranoia is always
    unhealthy - lead is bad but it's not cyanide or anything. But there
    are things that have changed for the better, and an awareness of the
    insidious effects of lead, mercury, and cadmium especially are good
    for us all. I once knew a career painter who's nervous system was
    shot, and who was on permanent disability, from painting navy ships
    with lead paint for years and years. Not a pretty sight, though he
    could still function pretty well. Awareness, yes. Running screaming
    from anything lead, no, not really. 

http://www.donivanandmaggiora.com
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