Lead in paint

[Magpie]

Just as FYI in a hopefully flame-free thread

Some kinds of artist paint have lead in them, and it's not required to be labelled as such. Some kinds of paint that the military use have lead in them, and I think also some kinds of highway paint. That's all I know about, but I'm sure there's other kinds. I'm no expert but I know I had 2 kinds of paint at my house that contained lead, and I'm way too careless about the dust from sanding. Hope that helps

[CanadianScroller]

Thanks for posting Magpie.
I am sure this is the same intent that Mac had.
We shouldnt take things for granted.

Ahhh maybe I should go back to not finishing my projects and just call it a safety feature

[Magpie]

Lol, good plan!

[William Young (SE BC)]

Good idea Magpie.
Maybe it is time to not put any finishes on anything and find wood that has no dust when we are sawing or sanding.
Wouldn't it be just wonderfull to be free of the hazads of anything we enjoy doing ?

Oh well, I'll just carry on with my overkill on dust collection and be very carefull of the finishes I use so I can enjoy making things knowing that I have done my best to protect myself as well as ones that I give my items to and sell some in order to be able to afford to make more.

W.Y.

[Magpie]

I find hazards to be much less hazardous if I know about them. Lead in paint can sneak up on ya, and I have small children in my workshop quite often. I have found in my practice that children eating paint is quite rare, but children playing with toys that have been exposed to dust sanded from a windowsill or old furniture is quite common.

I just read that some kinds of hair dye have lead in them--isn't that interesting?

[Jediscroller]

Thanks for the heads-up Magpie. I wonder how they get around the labeling law for haz-mats. I'm off the the US Gov't site. I wonder if it's something to do with the fact that they're not considered household paints or something like that.
I think I like Carl's idea but I wonder if my customers will see it the same way, hehehe.

[Gill]

Another FYI point is that by law all paints and finishes used within the European Union are required to be lead free.

Gill

[PuzzledMoose]

I just read that some kinds of hair dye have lead in them--isn't that interesting?

Mental note - don't lick the hair of anyone who dyes their hair ...

[BobD]

I'm with Carl...

Bob

[workin for wood]

what I wonder is..does lead paint float?

Just trying to get to the bottom of lifes most persistant questions....

[Jediscroller]

Otay, here's what I found, kind of interesting actually.
It does indicate that there are certain products that are exempt from being lead free.
Coatings used to refinish industrial or agricultural equipment; products marketed solely for use on billboards, road signs, and similar products; touch-up coatings for agricultural equipment, lawn and garden equipment, and appliances; and catalyzed coatings marketed solely for use on model powered airplanes. These all require a warning label that the product contains lead.
"Mirrors with lead-containing backing paint, artists paints, and metal furniture (other than children's furniture) that has a factory-applied coating that contains lead are exempt from the regulation and require no labeling."
The above is from the federal guidelines. Kentucky's law is older and stricter.
I found Info on the lead paint in art on Wikipedia.
And finally, for our friends on the other side of the pond, they do permit the use of lead paint in artist paints with a whole bunch of conditions (product labeling, workplace requirements, etc.). See this for more information.
So, in the end, none of the above coatings are used by a typical woodworker although I would be cautious about the use of "artist" paints sold in tubes but I don't really see the need for those types of paints on a typical woodworking project.

[Gill]

That's interesting, Kevin. It's reassuring to note that whilst paints containing lead aren't completely banned over here, they are strictly controlled and only used by specialists. Woodworkers such as those of us who visit this forum won't be able to acquire those sorts of products inadvertently, especially through any conventional retail outlet.

Gill

[MacS]

Gill & Jeff

Gill,

Everyone is a specialist, there is no one checking on who is, or who isn't.

Just about any one with "money" can buy these "controlled products" if you look for them.

Jeff, lead is to heavy to float...

[Gill]

Mac

I'd like you to substantiate that remark.

Gill

[bearfretworks]

Mac

I'd like you to substantiate that remark.

Gill

I'm not Mac...but......

Spent 2 whole minutes doing a google search. I found for less than 10 bucks U.S. that I can order "touch up" paint for a combine (farm equipment) and a plethora of artist paints in tubes......all of which contain lead.

That is "substantiated" enough for me!

I wouldn't use them on my work.....but how many times have we rumaged thru our pile of partially used finishes looking for that "right" color? If my john Deer green caught my eye, I'd be tempted to grab and spray....especially if I was in a hurry.

Lets go wrap some Christmas presents...........