I have seen a variety of answers to the above question across various web sites and including 420M. So, I went to Wikipedia to see if they had any light to shed on the subject. Especially concerning the question as to whether Brass has any lead content and the danger from such an alloy.
Wikipedia noted that many Brass mixtures can vary wildly and can include metals that are not actually true Brass. The article noted that many Brass alloys also do contain lead with concentrations up to 2%. The article discussed technical details of how the metals merge and that the lead can present a greater surface area of exposure when later worked through a manufacturing process resulting in significant leeching. It noted that key manufacturers in California were threatened with action by the state because the state determined that handling Brass keys twice a day exposes CA. citizens to exposures of lead greater than allowed under current FDA regulations.
How can Brass be allowed to be sold as pipe screens given the information above. The Wiki article includes numerous references for the information it contains. I invite readers to visit the Wiki site and judge for themselves the information contained under BRASS.
Personally, I do not believe any agency is validating the lead levels contained in pipe screens. Plus, how do you know whether the pipe screen you are smoking out of was manufactured in the US to US standards or whether it was made in some other country with zero regulations.
No more Brass screens for me!!!!!!!!!!
Wikipedia noted that many Brass mixtures can vary wildly and can include metals that are not actually true Brass. The article noted that many Brass alloys also do contain lead with concentrations up to 2%. The article discussed technical details of how the metals merge and that the lead can present a greater surface area of exposure when later worked through a manufacturing process resulting in significant leeching. It noted that key manufacturers in California were threatened with action by the state because the state determined that handling Brass keys twice a day exposes CA. citizens to exposures of lead greater than allowed under current FDA regulations.
How can Brass be allowed to be sold as pipe screens given the information above. The Wiki article includes numerous references for the information it contains. I invite readers to visit the Wiki site and judge for themselves the information contained under BRASS.
Personally, I do not believe any agency is validating the lead levels contained in pipe screens. Plus, how do you know whether the pipe screen you are smoking out of was manufactured in the US to US standards or whether it was made in some other country with zero regulations.
No more Brass screens for me!!!!!!!!!!
