Actually no, lead doesn't vaporize until 900+ degrees, but the fumes from impurities, well that is another story and yes, that will make you sick. BTW , that info on the lead came directly from an engineer at Deka Batteries. You will get more lead in you from handling it than you ever will inhaling it, unless you heat it until it vaporizes but I don't know if a Lee pot can heat lead to that temp.