Blokes,
I'm not trying to stir the pot here and there's no HD influence here beleieve me.
My reason for posting is soley to point out that the term "lead free brass" is not as it sounds, lead free. I understand the issues about personal risk levels. Fair point.
I had thought,(now reconsdering ever raising it...) that if theres an avoiable risk or best practice we should raise it yes?
I'm reasonbly sure we can assist new folk to the craft by advising of the issues with specific mtls. I mean we clearly advise against plastics?
The standards are based around drinking water. Many authorites including our own EPA legislate/restrict lead content The EPA relies on the US standard here. If several months ago you said to me lead free I'd take that as it sounds
but that not the case.
Part of it states....
(d) "Lead free" defined
For purposes of this section, the term "lead free" -
(1) when used with respect to solders and flux refers to
solders and flux containing not more than 0.2 percent lead;
(2) when used with respect to pipes and pipe fittings refers to
pipes and pipe fittings containing not more than 8.0 percent
lead;
I'm not a chemist so I can't tell you the chemical prosesses around lead leaching, so how it leaches/disolves I need to rely on those that do. I know it's a risk as it is not chemically stable in water let alone high temp ethanol.
My reason for posting initially had nothing to do with distilling at all. I've been looking into lead related issues for a few months now because I have an uncle who has diagnosed lead related issues...ask BHP about Port Pirie in SA...
http://www.lead.org.au/bblp/Ceiling-Dust/tsld004.htmhttp://www.health.sa.gov.au/pehs/branches/branch-ptpirie.htmhttp://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-24/blood-lead-levels-rise-in-port-pirie/4031928http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lead-poisoning-fears-as-unsafe-levels-in-port-pirie-children-rise/story-e6freol3-1226365596381I've about 20 links to lead issues I've added a couple here cos they're more relevant I guess...
http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/regulation.htmThis one holds the Aust standard and the two revisions for fittings/plumbing. It also has links to public water supply notices etc. There's couple of good related articles re best practice, repairs, domestic supplies. There's aslo a link to current Australian water supply problems which might surpirse a few folk.
http://www.nsf.org/business/water_distribution/faq.asp#leadUS backgrounders as they hold 2 stds...Btw if the califorina std was adopted there'd be no a reduced problem...
http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/uscode/42/6A/XII/B/300g-6The US last revision on lead i.e. the std we adopt
I'd raised the issue with best of intentions.
Fact! If that's not ok then I don't know what is.
bt1