KYbassman Posted October 12, 2007 Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 I recently had a friend offer me about 100 lbs. of lead from a X-ray lab he was helping remodel. My question is if this lead was used in the x-ray lab, would it retain any radiation? Would it be hazardous to melt and use? Any info would be appreciated, I don't want to pass up on this if it isn't overly hazardous. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilcraw Posted October 12, 2007 Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 KY interesting question I got around 500 lbs of lead sheeting that contractors were puting in the walls of the Xray room booth when the new hospital was built here in town, it was the drop offs of new sheeting but I had never given it a thought about the used stuff, the same company didn't offer any of the old used sheeting they took out so now that makes me wonder as well, Interesting...... it makes for great lead to work with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nova Posted October 12, 2007 Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 I'm not a scientist by any means; but I would almost bet that the lead will retain radioactivity. If you know any firemen, they may have a gieger counter. Would be nice to check it just to be sure. You don't want to make yourself or your customers sick. www.novalures.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlaery Posted October 12, 2007 Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 This has been several years ago but I had a cousin who was in hazordous material removal. He referred me to some expert. I called him and he said that is why they use lead in x-ray, it will not asorb the radiation at all, because it is so dense. He said steel would work but there was a chance that it would retain a very small amount. Don't take my word, check this out first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LedHed Posted October 12, 2007 Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 Lead does not absorb radiation - that is why it is used. KYbassman Get all you can and consider yourself fortunate. The stuff runs about $3 a pound and is probably the purest lead you can find. You can add it to hard lead to soften it. My nephew works for a waste management company that had a problem getting rid of lead...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willie525 Posted October 12, 2007 Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 i would try to get a geiger count at least, if you can get one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KYbassman Posted October 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 Thanks for the replies. I didn't think it absorbed radiation, but wanted other opinions. I often night fish and didn't want a glowing body to scare the fish. Also I only pour for personal use, so just me and the fish are at risk. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLT Posted October 13, 2007 Report Share Posted October 13, 2007 Man....and here I was happy getting 250#'s of plumbers lead for $.25/lb. You scored really well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KYbassman Posted October 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2007 Well I got the lead today. This is the softest lead I have ever worked with. It even pours easily into my poison tail mold. Now I'm busy cutting it up and making ingots. Thanks for the replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jigmaster Posted October 14, 2007 Report Share Posted October 14, 2007 xray lead is the BEST lead I have encountered.........I had about 400 lbs awhile back........loved it. Lead does not absorb radioactivity........that is why it is used....it merely blocks passage of the particles, due to its density. pour away........you will be looking for more when your supply is exhausted! Regards JM www.daimonlures.com www.daimonlures.com/bassreview Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
