may be time to post warnings again...
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2016 8:22 am
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.
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.
