A warning from Goddessjoy…
joy.joyner on Aug 15 2007 at 4:46 pm | Filed under: Beads, Findings, Jewelry Supplies, Metal, News, Ramble
Lead paint on toys, sucks. But, you should also know about the lead hazards in jewelry as well. Yes, lead in jewelry. It’s out there, and it’s dangerous. Recalls have focused on small junk jewelry sold in vending machines, and some that were included as freebies with other products. Be aware, those aren’t the only places you need to worry.
There is a HUGE market for pewter findings, charms, and pendants. Cast metal pieces often use lead because it’s easy to cast, and takes the detail well. Here in California, any thing on the shelves that contains lead has to be labeled. So, I get to see lots of jewelry findings that have the lovely warning on them, which makes it easy for me to avoid. It should be that way in all states, but it’s not. Silly isn’t it?
Know your metals. Sterling silver, copper, gold filled, aluminum, niobium, brass and bronze are all safe metals. I’m leery of other metals, unless they specifically say LEAD FREE, I won’t use them. Tierra Cast is a great source for lead free pewter findings. You can get their products all over the place, but make sure you’re dealing with a licensed dealer.
It’s so tempting to use the cast metal stuff. There are some super cute pieces out there, that are cheap. For me, selling pieces that I make, brings in a whole new set of considerations when it comes to my supplies. I would be mortified to find that a piece I made, containing lead, ended up in the mouth of a child. Call me paranoid, but, the thought of that scares me to death. That’s also why I won’t make nursing necklaces.
They say that the lead components won’t cause a problem unless they’re swallowed or chewed on by children. But, I speculate that any lead containing metals worn against the skin, can lead to absorption. If you can absorb iron through your skin via Hematite, and copper via copper, then why not lead via pewter? Especially if you’re sweating, or have some crazy skin PH issues. Just my two cents, and I don’t want to take a chance with lead.
“Did you eat paint chips as a child? ”
“No, I just sucked on a lot of beads.”
Why am I having Beavis and Butthead flashbacks now?
Damn lead.
I am totally right there with you on this one! Scares the hell out of me. And I refuse to make children’s jewels for this reason. And try like hell to avoid lead .. PERIOD.
Great blog. :)
It is scary, and you can absorb lead through your skin. My step-father and step-brothers did a lot of shooting at my step-dad’s gun range without gloves, and ended up with lead poisoning that way. The doctor said that it came into their system from dust from the bullets and the force of shooting.
Pretty crazy stuff. They got lucky it didn’t kill them.