Lead Exposure on Used Cast Iron?

[STEbbq]

How concerned should we be about lead exposure with used cast iron buys?

[Oak Smoke]

In things like pots and ladles I use a lead test kit from Ace hardware. It’s the same one used to test for lead paint. In all my collecting I’ve only had 2 positive tests. If you’re worried it’s an easy way to know. They turn bright red if there’s any lead.

[Mosca]

Great minds ‘n ‘at!

[Mosca]

I had to do a search on this, I’d never heard of it.

Not at all for me. But if I owned a vintage 4” skillet, or a 1 qt pot, and I was worried, I’d get a lead testing kit.

[FireMan]

Ya mean the griswold or the eries might have lead in em?

[Oak Smoke]

Yep, someone was makin sinkers way back when. They used gramma’s bean pot to melt the lead.

[texastweeter]

Cheap Chinese brands and counterfeit do.

[Smoker_Boy]

I survived melting tire weights with a propane torch, and I survived playing with mercury.

[Smoke em if you got em]

Texastweeter - My dad and I used to make our own fishing sinkers the same way.

[Carolyn]

You survived, but are you as mad as a Hatter?

[Smoker_Boy]

Carolyn - I think I probably qualify.

[Finster]

Never knew this was even a thing. 🤷🏼♂️
I have only 2 pans that I’m unaware of their origin, so overall, I’m not overly concerned.

[N227GB]

Same here. I don't have any old CI, but i I have some folks on the lookout for me if something shows up at a flea market.


Posted from my phone

[FireMan]

Ok, I have a Griz and an Erie and am sure granny wasn't doin the sinker thing in 12". The other 3 smaller ones are Lodge and 10 year approx. and have been in my possession exclusively.

[dpearce]

I've been looking at getting a dutch oven, and at first I was checking on FB marketplace. Aside from the fact, I have no idea how people were using these, most looked like they sat out in the weather for 10 years, and the pricing was stupid high in my area. Almost as much as a brand new Lodge already seasoned.

Until you guys brought it up, I had forgotten that, yes, people around me growing up definitely used cast iron to heat lead for fishing weights, ammo, etc...

So definitely buying new, not used. I already have my mom's old set, as well as a set we got as a wedding gift, so thankfully I'm good to go in the cast iron department.

Thank you for the reminder.

[Spinaker]

I have never been concerned about it. Typically, the worry would come from small skillets (like No1s or 2s)

[TripleB]

I would not worry about it. But if you are concerned, I would not cook anything with an acid base in your old CI. No vinegars or tomatoes. Acids will leach out the metal.

Safeguard yourself and give regular blood donations. Pb, like Fe, can accumulate in the blood stream. But our bodies naturally eliminate the Fe in our system through urine. Except for me. I have hemochromatosis and my body does not eliminate Fe anymore and I have to do scheduled phlebotomies. I am the true IRON MAN! I even set off metal detectors at the airport.

However, I have heard that pellet smokers are a high source of Pb exposure.....

[RichieB]

Bought all new, Lodge. I'm not concerned. I'll be using one tonight to make bacon wrapped hotdogs on the Spirit.