may be time to post warnings again...

[BoomTown]

This from "ask me anything"...of course this sample is way to small to suggest the conclusions reached, but the warnings are accurate..
How many people were killed because of moonshine?

Answer by Rgj2e CONFIDENCE VOTES 14

A study of moonshine or illegal distilled spirits produced at 48 different stills found that 43 of the 48 samples had lead levels ranging from five to 599 parts per billion (ppb). Over half the samples contained lead levels exceeding federal water guidelines of 15 ppb. For regular moonshine consumers, that poses a risk of lead poisoning, but even occasional consumption carries some risk. Lead serves no function in the body but lead poisoning can cause memory loss, brain swelling, paralysis, and even
death. About 80% of all adult lead poisoning deaths are related to moonshine consumption. The study was conducted by Dr. Christopher Holstege, Director of the Division of Medical Toxicology of Virginia Health System. Hundreds of thousands of gallons of moonshine are produced annually in the U.S. The illegal production is highly profitable and continues because of the heavy taxation of legally-produced distilled spirits. Taxes constitute well over half the price of a typical bottle of spirits.

**NOTE** While the above research is no doubt true, the lead poisoning comes from the still rather than the moonshine. To save money and time, some moonshiners solder their stills with and build them using lead, which alcohol can eat away at which is why it comes out in the finished product. If a still is built correctly (such as with copper or stainless steel and strictly food-grade materials), there is virtually no risk of lead poisoning. Instead of soldering, use an old quick fix to make the still air tight. Mix flour and water until it forms a paste then apply it to any loose joints. As the still heats up, the flour and water will harden, which can then be easily chipped off after distillation is complete.

Data on moonshine deaths is hard to record, but more often than not, the dangers associated with moonshine are due to carelessness whether it be using lead or simply drinking too much. And I'm sure in some instances, the dangers of moonshine are exaggerated because of its taboo in most parts of American society.

If you are responsible and do your research before you jump right into making moonshine, you should have nothing to worry about.

[Bushman]

Thanks for the post reminders are always a good thing.

[frodo]

safety is indeed a concern

i would like to know where the lead in each case came from

solder ? fittings ?

Bug on screen.gif (5.95 KiB) Viewed 2236 times

or the local water ?
that information would be of invaluable help in opening eyes as to real problems

[amdamgraham]

The boiling point for lead and lead compounds is too high (the lowest I could find was 110 C) for it to be coming along with the vapors from the boiler so my guess is that some people are re-using industrial equipment, car radiators, barrels and other contaminated parts in their still construction. The distillate comes into contact with the lead somewhere during and after condensing. How many times in this forum have you seen someone post a picture of some piece of metal garbage that they think would be great for building a still? I can think of a couple of them and I haven't been here that long.

[nerdybrewer]

The boiling point for lead and lead compounds is too high (the lowest I could find was 110 C) for it to be coming along with the vapors from the boiler so my guess is that some people are re-using industrial equipment, car radiators, barrels and other contaminated parts in their still construction. The distillate comes into contact with the lead somewhere during and after condensing. How many times in this forum have you seen someone post a picture of some piece of metal garbage that they think would be great for building a still? I can think of a couple of them and I haven't been here that long.

Seems like it would be easy to do it wrong, use lead solder putting together a condenser and there you go.
High proof hot alcohol coming into contact with lead.
You are right about the funky stuff some people will try and use to save a buck or two, so I'd say one part stupid ignorant, one part cheap and you have a recipe for disaster.

[frodo]

what I do not understand, me being a plumber I am at the supply house often.

in my area if you want lead solder like 50/50 or 60/40

you have to ASK for it. if you just ask for solder, you are given lead free

I know solder is high, must be idiots using wheel weights


oh...I surely do miss 50/50, goes on like butter,

[rad14701]

The boiling point for lead and lead compounds is too high (the lowest I could find was 110 C) for it to be coming along with the vapors from the boiler so my guess is that some people are re-using industrial equipment, car radiators, barrels and other contaminated parts in their still construction. The distillate comes into contact with the lead somewhere during and after condensing. How many times in this forum have you seen someone post a picture of some piece of metal garbage that they think would be great for building a still? I can think of a couple of them and I haven't been here that long.

There is a big difference between melting and contact leaching...