BadContrakt Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 I recently switched over to steel weights because I've become more aware of the risks of lead exposure due to moving into an apartment with lead paint. When I used lead weights and even now that I'm not I never put any line, lures, or anything else into my mouth like a lot of guys do. Wetting your line to go through the weight or lure or whatever... I've always found it kinda gross. Does anyone else worry about so much lead exposure (because most of us here fish a LOT more than the average guy that gets on the water twice a year) from your weights, leaders, lures, etc? If you're not aware, this could give you some insight: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002473.htm I'm not too concerned overall but I was curious if anyone else has had any problems, concerns, or negative effects from so much lead-handling over the years. Quote
aquaholic Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 the only lead i worry about is the ones that travel at 3000fps 2 Quote
lanzbass Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 Never gave it much thought...I have been handling lead making sinkers since I was a kid...have not seen any adviser effects yet ! I think kids toys from China and crayons are more dangerous ? Quote
Super User Solution SirSnookalot Posted August 13, 2013 Super User Solution Posted August 13, 2013 I don't think fishing with lead posses a problem for adults, handling and even biting split shots. Washing your hands may not be a bad idea but I'm not so sure it's necessary unless you are sticking your fingers in your mouth. Ingesting lead is a different story, especially where children and paint are concerned, I believe most paints today are lead free. I've been in a number of lead smelting operations, those people are prone for problems from the fumes, they all wear respirators. Quote
Super User Sam Posted August 13, 2013 Super User Posted August 13, 2013 Interesting to read your apartment complex has lead paint. Over twenty years ago all lead paint was to be removed or painted over in all housing throughout the USA. I would think that the landlord could be in a lot of trouble if he still has lead paint in his property. As for fishing, lead does not bother me. With more and more finesse type fishing using painted jig heads with attached hooks and the "no weights" presentations the times you come into contact with lead is less and less. Of course we still use lead weights for Texas, Carolina and drop shot rigs If you notice the number of times you have lost your lead sinker you can decide if the lead weight controversy has been blown out of proportion. We do not lose that many lead weights and the majority of the ones we do lose are few and far between in deep water that will have the weights washed over in muck and slop in a few days. As for having lead on your fingers, once again I don't think that is a serious problem for adults. If one is concerned about contaminating their hands with lead then use a cleaning agent or sanitizer after you touch the weights. Just my two cents. 1 Quote
BadContrakt Posted August 13, 2013 Author Posted August 13, 2013 Interesting to read your apartment complex has lead paint. Over twenty years ago all lead paint was to be removed or painted over in all housing throughout the USA. I would think that the landlord could be in a lot of trouble if he still has lead paint in his property. As for fishing, lead does not bother me. With more and more finesse type fishing using painted jig heads with attached hooks and the "no weights" presentations the times you come into contact with lead is less and less. Of course we still use lead weights for Texas, Carolina and drop shot rigs If you notice the number of times you have lost your lead sinker you can decide if the lead weight controversy has been blown out of proportion. We do not lose that many lead weights and the majority of the ones we do lose are few and far between in deep water that will have the weights washed over in muck and slop in a few days. As for having lead on your fingers, once again I don't think that is a serious problem for adults. If one is concerned about contaminating their hands with lead then use a cleaning agent or sanitizer after you touch the weights. Just my two cents. I should mention the lead paint has been painted over in the past, but it's still present under a layer or a few layers of lead free paint. Quote
PABASS Posted August 13, 2013 Posted August 13, 2013 If you are truly concerned I would recommend speaking with your family doctor. Lead is bad for adults and kids alike we lived in an old home 1882 and our kids were tested for lead levels every year, just because its painted over doesn't mean its safe. We recently moved so its not a concern, however if I handled lead weights I make sure to wash my hands when I can. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted August 13, 2013 Super User Posted August 13, 2013 Lead from lead paint can easily be ingested or inhaled, and can cause a problem. Lead fishing doesn't present the same problem, unless you burn it or eat it. Quote
JayKumar Posted August 19, 2013 Posted August 19, 2013 Not worried. I'm in my 40s, and most of us as kids crimped lead split shot with our teeth, as did those who taught us to fish. Would we all have been geniuses if we didn't? Maybe.... Don't do that now, mostly because I don't use split shot anymore, and tungsten weights are so much better anyhow.... Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.