About 6 months ago, my father-in-law gave us all of his stained glass supplies when he moved to a smaller house. I knew that the solder has 40-50% lead, and tried to follow reasonable safety precautions when handling it. I work with it outside in the shed with all the windows open, my son is usually there watching, and we take care to wash our hands carefully when coming back into the house and before eating.
Yesterday, after reading an article in an old magazine, I started to worry that it may not be enough to just wash our hands, as the fumes can land on the skin and be absorbed, and corrosion on the finished projects can flake off. So I mentioned to my husband that maybe our son should be tested for lead exposure at his next scheduled Dr.'s appointment in 3 months. My husband is very concerned, and did not realize that there was any lead involved. He immediately helped me buy lead-free solder(which I had been putting off because I thought he'd get upset at the cost).
So my questions are- Did you know that most traditional stained glass and electronics have lead in them? Do you think I need to get my son a test right away, or just wait until his next appointment? And what exactly is in the lead-free solder and is it any safer?
Wait until next appt.
From what I know of lead, it is most harmful b/c contaminated hands are put in the mouth or toys with lead paint a re chewed on. I don't think you can inhale lead while being in the same room with it. It is too heavy a metal for that.
Yes, lead-free solder is much safer. Read the pkg for ingredients or call the mfr.
Not much help, but what I can offer is that around here, they test at ages 1, 2, and 3. Even if you say you live in a house constructed prior to 1995 or something. I'd get him tested maybe at his next annual, if it isnt too far away. It wouldnt hurt to call your doctors office and see if a nurse can answer your general question. Good Luck, and im sure everything will be fine
Not to freak you out even further, but most plumbing fixtures up until a few years ago contained lead as well. As did any 1970's (or earlier) paint... and more recent paint, on items that weren't made in the US... honestly, it's everywhere. I would call your pediatrician to ask how s/he would like you to proceed. Truly, I wouldn't worry too much at this point. It's not like he was eating the solder. If it will make you feel better, get him tested right away, but I don't think you really have too much to be concerned about, since you took reasonable precautions.
I wouldn't worry a whole lot. My son had high lead levels, but not lead poisening. We found it when he was 6mo. We still aren't sure where he got it from as none of us or even his little sister got it when she was born and living in the same house and conditions. We dealt with it for about 9mo to a year before he was 100% free. He has no health problems or delays.
If your worried, start feeding him foods with higher iron, calcium, and zinc. Then have him tested at his next appt. If he does have an elevated level, all they are going to do is tell you to start feeding him these types of food ( they absorb the lead from the body) and eliminate the source... since you know where the source is coming from that will be easy for you.
Good luck
Look up the tell tale signs of lead poisoning. I bet he shows no signs...
Talk to your doctor.
Everything has lead. Glazes on pottery even has lead.
I agree that you should call the Doctor and go to the nurse line. They will tell you if he should be tested sooner. Not to freak you further, but I did a report on lead and my research said that many times by the time lead has been discovered much damage has already been done. So I'd say better safe than sorry. A quick phone call won't hurt anyone!
