Lead-lined chest

[RollMeOverInTheClover]

My husband inherited a large lead-lined travel chest from his grandfather decades ago. It’s very travel worn and attractive and we use it as a side table, it has photos and a lamp on it (ie not used for good or drink). We’ve only opened it a couple of times since we moved in together and not for many years. Do you think it’s dangerous to keep as it is? Or even in the house? It’s in a very large high-ceilinged living room. I think the lead would lift out if we wanted to remove it, it’s like a lead box within the chest. I have children who play in the living room, but not near the chest. We recently moved it to a more visible spot and so I’m suddenly wandering about it! Should I keep it, put it into storage, get rid of it or sell it? If there are any scientists out there who can give me a factual response as to the risk I’d really appreciate it!

Why do you think it would be risky? Lead is used as a protective layer I think. Lead pipes are a risk if you ingest the lead, but just sitting in a room I can’t see the issue.

not an expert btw!

‘ Exposure to even low levels of lead can cause damage overtime, especially in children. The greatest risk is to brain development, where irreversible damage can occur. Higher levels can damage the kidneys, and nervous system, in both children and adults’ - The Mayo Clinic

As long as your children are not playing in, or sitting on it for hours it it should be okay. Don't try removing the lead or lifting it out or anything like that, that could make things a lot worse. Personally I would put the trunk into a lesser used room.

As long as you aren't licking it, I'm sure you'll be fine.

You are not likely to breathe or ingest it from a chest. Advice dates from use of lead water pipes, content in metals such as pewter when used for drinking, leaded petrol emissions etc.

Don't touch it or lick it, that's the main thing. If you do touch the lead, wash your hands immediately afterwards. Ingestion of lead, inhalation of lead dust (caused by working with it, but be being in proximity to lead that just sits there) and inhalation of lead vapours (also when worked on) are the main sources of lead poisoning.

It's not going to be absorbed through the skin in this form.

If it's a closed box, just leave it closed and it poses no threat to you.

You could look to sell the lead if there's much of it, but I doubt you'd get much money.

*not by being in proximity

Oh for an edit button.

Just think, you could be like the Queen when you die , and lie in state for several days in it.

Its fine.

Lead in paint on old cots or in dust when redecorating or old toy soldiers played with yes a risk, inside your chest or as part of the fabric of the house such as the roof (except mains water pipes) unlikely to pose any risk.