lead in older equipment

when buying used equipment do you worry about lead
does anyone know how long ago they stopped using it in solder
is there a way to test
thanks!

In many states the law requires the use of stainless from what I have read. Lead solder was commonly used until 1986 according to the NY State Dept of Health website (at least in NY). There are certified laboratories which test water/items for lead using different techniques and you can search these out on the internet for one close to you. Seems like the prices are not too bad.

As for buying used equipment, I don't want lead in it.

> does anyone know how long ago they stopped using it in solder

Solder with lead is still available, here's one example:
http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Metals-a.../dp/B000G36BYU

In some locations, lead solder is not allowed in certain applications, such as domestic water pipe joints.

Here's a link to a test kit:
http://www.usabluebook.com/p-278065-...100-tests.aspx
I have no knowledge how well test kits like this really work!

Same issue with galvinized.. rule of thumb I use if its not stainless its not legal........
Even get old hives bodies with lead paint once in a while.....

We were still using 50/50 lead/tin solder on water pipes in the late 70's, I'm pretty sure... your world is full of lead...

My grandpa painted some supers with lead paint thirty years ago...still have a few;)

Thanks for all the replies. Good info!

Lead becomes problematic when it is allowed to leach into a sunstance for extended periods of time such as water supply lines.
Also when injested as in paint chips and in dust particulates when lead paint is sanded. Otherwise, it's pretty harmless.