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What Are the Dangers of Lead Solder in Jewelry?

Lead is a soft metal that is found naturally in the Earth's crust, and it is often used as a soldering material. Because lead solder is easily shaped, durable and common, it is used in many consumer products, including paints, piping, tableware, ceramic glazes, toys, leaded crystals and jewelry. Although lead solder is not easily absorbed by the skin, lead exposure can occur when air contaminated with lead is inhaled in the form of dust or fumes or through contact with lead solder products. Lead is toxic and can present certain health risks.

  1. Effects on Children

    • Children's jewelry such as trinkets, rings and charms may contain lead solder. Children under the age of five are particularly susceptible to lead solder poisoning, as they tend to put objects in their mouths or put hands that come into contact with lead-containing objects into their mouths. According to Medline Plus, lead solder is very dangerous for children, as they are still developing. Children with high lead content in their body may develop anemia, severe stomachache, muscle weakness and cognitive damage. Medline Plus also states that lower IQ scores are linked to lead poisoning, even at low levels.

    Effects on Adults

    • Adults are not immune to lead poisoning. Working in industries involving lead solder (such as in a factory manufacturing jewelry using lead solder) or coming in contact with lead solder products on a consistent basis can lead to a number of health problems. According to Mayo Clinic, chronic exposure to lead can cause high blood pressure, numbness or tingling of extremities, muscular weakness, headache, abdominal pain, a decline in mental functioning and mood disorders.

    Reproductive Health

    • According to Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, low to moderate exposure to lead can have harmful effects on the male reproductive system. These are manifested in low sperm counts, as well as abnormal sperm structure and mobility. Men who work in industries involving exposure to lead on a regular basis are also in danger of carrying lead dust home in their clothing, implicating the reproductive health of their spouses, as well. Women exposed to relatively high levels of lead may also experience reduced fertility and menstrual disorders.

    Cancer Risks

    • Lead poisoning has been blamed for various forms of cancer: lung, stomach, brain, kidney, bladder, colon and rectum. While some studies have found a link between too much exposure to lead and cancer, the American Cancer Society states that most of the studies are inconclusive, as they do not take into account other factors that may contribute to the development of cancer.

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