Whoops used tin with lead

[gardar]

Hey guys.

After collecting materials needed for a bokakob build I finally began putting it together yesterday.

I'm using a 1 meter long 2" wide copper pipe and I used tin to solder a flange on one end of the pipe and for soldering the two plates (for those familiar with the bokakob design).

After coming home and doing some further reading on the design I came across some information that using lead in distillation can be dangerous (Guess I didn't do my homework very well )

The tin I used includes lead and I'm wondering if I should be worried? Will the lead in the tin affect the alcohol?

[Aces High]

Short answer Yes.

Long answer yes.. be worried and find some plumers solder without lead

[blanikdog]

Actually it will affect the drinker much more than the alcohol. May I suggest that you get hold of this book Beatie.O and Geiger,J. 1989, "Frozen in Time: The Fate of the Franklin Expedition',Grafton Books. and you will get a very vivid and scarey example of how lead poisoning works. The full colour plates are quite fascinating.

I reckon it would be a really good idea to remove all of that lead solder and start again.

Good reading and Stay Safe.

[gardar]

Thanks for the replies guys...

I know that tin with lead has been used to solder pipes for drinking water in my country... But is it a different story with alcohol? (not that I'm doubting you guys, I'm just curious)


Guess I'll go and remove as much of the tin as I can and do it with silver instead.

[rad14701]

Yes, it is different because water doesn't leach the lead out like alcohol does... De-solder all of the joints, remove all traces of solder, even if means sanding, filing, and grinding... Then re-solder with lead-free solder... We are big on safety here, mainly because peoples lives depend on it...

[MuleKicker]

no its not different. It aint good in yer water pipes either. Lead is nasty stuff.

[Bayou-Ruler]

no its not different. It aint good in yer water pipes either. Lead is nasty stuff.

+1 10-4

[blanikdog]

... Guess I'll go and remove as much of the tin as I can and do it with silver instead.

Remove it ALL.

Your choice, but it's your funeral. Remember that you were told.

[rad14701]

no its not different. It aint good in yer water pipes either. Lead is nasty stuff.

Correct... But high temperature high proof alcohol will leach the lead out much quicker than hot or cold water will...

Heck, I probably have some lead in the old fillings I have in my teeth... One of my buddies went out of state to get all of his fillings replaced a couple years ago because they contained lead... I can't afford to do that myself... The dentist I had while growing up made sure he scraped around enough so if I didn't have any cavities at the time of my checkup that I would at my next six month visit...

[Dnderhead]

I thought the old fillings contained mercury?

[rad14701]

I thought the old fillings contained mercury?

Probably a bit of both mercury and lead... You never know what those old dentists were putting in our mouths... Mine was an avid fisherman, tying flies in a side room, so I wouldn't be surprised if he used split shot for fillings...

[MuleKicker]

lead/mercury in yer teeth? No good. Maybe thats why yer so crazy rad... Check this wiki out on lead poisoning. THen tell me if you would take the chance, OP? Lead is nothing to take lightly, no matter in yer still, or yer pipes. Sorry, but this isnt just a "Whoops".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_poisoning" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Lead poisoning (also known as plumbism, colica Pictonum, saturnism, Devon colic, or painter's colic) is a medical condition caused by increased levels of the heavy metal lead in the body. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. It interferes with the development of the nervous system and is therefore particularly toxic to children, causing potentially permanent learning and behavior disorders. Symptoms include abdominal pain, headache, anemia, irritability, and in severe cases seizures, coma, and death

[rad14701]

MuleKicker, are you trying to insinuate that I'm crazier than a shit-house rat...??? I represent that comment...

[MuleKicker]

MuleKicker, are you trying to insinuate that I'm crazier than a shit-house rat...??? I represent that comment...

well rad, at least you have an excuse now.