Brass and/or Lead Poisoning

[Dan Schultz]

I'm sure this topic has been around the block a few times, but maybe there is some fresh information out there. I'm looking for REAL, DOCUMENTED cases of brass or lead poisoning that is directly linked to musical instruments.

I'm well aware of problems with site reactions and alergic conditions. Those problems ARE NOT things I'm seeking here.

[sungfw]

I'm sure this topic has been around the block a few times, but maybe there is some fresh information out there. I'm looking for REAL, DOCUMENTED cases of brass or lead poisoning that is directly linked to musical instruments.

I'm well aware of problems with site reactions and alergic conditions. Those problems ARE NOT things I'm seeking here.

There are a couple of medical doctors doing honest-to-goodness medical research into "brass poisoning" who post on bionet.toxicology. Either or both of them would probably be able to point you in the direction of documented cases of brass toxicity.

http://groups.google.com/group/bionet.t ... this+group

[MaryAnn]

For those who play them or those who work on them?

If lead-based solder is used there is a real threat of lead poisoning from the fumes.

Anyone can be tested via IV challenge of EDTA and subsequent testing of urine output for levels of heavy metal contaminents.

MA

[Dan Schultz]

For those who play them or those who work on them?

Both. I spend eight or so hours a day working on them and then two hours each evening playing with one group or another. I'm not particulaly concerned for my own health as I generally wear a respirator when soldering or buffing. (Yes... I still use leaded solders for general repairs.) This subject comes up once in a while when talking with customers. I am familiar with alergic reactions but have never seen any documentation regarding heavy metal poisoning from playing a musical instrument. There is some ongoing research as noted by one of the post responders, but best I know, nothing conclusive. I'm just fishing for new information.