Lead can be harmful or deadly. That is why it is no longer used in gasoline and is a factor in buying old houses. Lead paint is a danger to children. However, there are many other potentially dangerous lead sources.

    I have too much lead in my system because I handle antique bullets and musket balls. (THIS IS A SERIOUS HOBBY and I work with, measure,touch and catalog old bullets for a while most days, thus I handle lead much more often than most people do.)But my doctor told me the highest lead level he had in a patient was because of  INHALED LEAD. He has a patient who casts bullets for reloading ammunition. Electrical workers were once at risk  Some SOLDER no longer contains lead. Melting solder creates metal vapors which may accumulate in a enclosed space. Doing  a lot of soldering in a confined space may concentrate lead vapor.

     Melting pewter which contains LEAD to mold craft items or toys may be hazardous. TOY MOULD (MOLD) SELLERS frequently alert buyers to some hazards, and they may offer lead-free casting material. Casting FISHING SINKERS from lead will also be potentially hazardous, both from touching the sinkers and potentially breathing the fumes.

     Do a web search for LEAD TOXICITY for additional information.

     CASUAL CONTACT WITH LEAD briefly is normal. Using sinkers, or solder or touching lead bullets once in a while is not a problem one would hope. FREQUENT AND LONG TERM EXPOSURE requires some precautions.

     SHOOTERS who do a lot of shooting at indoor ranges need to be aware that modern primers contain lead. That is why the blowers are going in the ranges I have visited.

         Reloading equipment related to bullet casting usually contains warnings about melting lead in confined spaces, at least the new items in packages do.

IF YOU HANDLE LEAD ITEMS WASH BEFORE EATING.

IF YOU MELT LEAD OR ALLOYS CONTAINING LEAD, have fresh air moving.  Industrial applications would require a vent fan at minimum.