So you are saying his advice to use a saw and throw lead particles every where which is a real risk is trying to be safe? Seriously? I posted a summary of basic lead handling and risks backed up with references. Some better than others. That's not making fun of anybody. Thats a responsible response to an irresponsible post. Since I work with lead several times a week while doing testing, and I have clients who work with lead every day I take this seriously. I reported actual facts and reasonable assumptions based on available data. I even provided links for anybody who wanted read them themselves. I also provided a personal contact who was in the lead processing business. If you don't like what I had to say that's not me making fun of anybody. That's just you not liking it. So breathing a foreign substance like imron into your lungs is a good example and you think spreading lead particles all over the place with a saw is safe? Think about that for a minute. Sure there may be some circumstances where you have a small risk of lead fumes, but the problem we are seeing here is taking a reciporcating saw with a fairly high cycle rate and assuming its NOT going to spray some lead dust around. Geez.
If you want to wear a respirator fine. I have no issue with that. It won't hurt you unless you have a breathing disorder. I do have an issue with spewing lead dust all over the place with a saw. That respirator (oratleast a particle mask with a good seal) is probably a good idea if you are going to cut lead with a power saw. It won't prevent secondary exposures when you work on all the surfaces in the area, but it will keep you from breathing in lead dust and particles at the time of contamination. The actual physical amount of lead in your system necessary to be dangerous is pretty small, and breathing in lead dust is one of the worst things you can do. While your body may process some lead out, generally lead poisoning like other heavy metal poisoning is considered cumulative. Physical contact with particles and lead by ingestion and inhaltions of dust is the big risk. Saying wear a mask when you melt it but don't worry about yourself or anybody else who might come in the area later after you have sprayed lead around with a power saw is NOT being safe. Its plugging the pinhole in the dike while leaving the gate wide open.