lead
Posted by Marie Bernadette on February 22, 1998 at 01:09:07:
In response to I'm surprised about the lead..., written by Elainel on February 21, 1998 at 23:10:56
That they knew about the dangers of lead surprises me. Weren't they still making toys (soldiers, etc.) using lead or was that only in the US? Or maybe they just realized they shouldn't use it for makeup?
They knew it was harmful to inhale the powder and that it pitted the skin. They may have known about the dangers of other lead uses but decided that the resulting products were worth the risk (sacrificing a few peasants to lead poisoning was a fair price to pay for some nice toy soldiers). ;-) Although, I think they may not have associated certain things with lead poisoning. For example, lead paint is only dangerous if you eat the chips (old paint flaking into food, children getting into it) or if you breathe in dust from sanding wood with lead paint on it. They probably tied a kerchief over their noses and figured that was sufficient. I don't think they realised that hot water melted the lead in the glazing of their pottery. That would not be as obvious as the results of putting the powder on your face.
- Thanks for the clarification (NFM) ElaineL 09:59:07 2/22/98
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