What is low lead brass?
UNS C33500 low leaded brass is an alloy containing copper, zinc and lead. It has excellent machinability and corrosion resistance. It is produced by piercing, punching and machining.
Is low lead brass safe?
In the past, plumbing parts were often made with leaded Brasses; adding Lead increased the machinability of the alloy. However, research has shown that exposure to Lead can cause adverse health effects, such as anemia, weakness, and kidney and brain damage.
Are all brass fittings lead free?
Governmental Standards As of 2014, brass fittings must now contain less than 0.25% lead, rather than 8%. The purpose of this change is to protect consumers from harmful contamination. Anything below that 0.25% threshold can legally be labeled as lead free brass fittings under the new standards.
What does low lead compliant mean?
“Low Lead” – As defined by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (FSDWA) amended in 1986, is any product containing less than 8% lead.
What is the percentage of lead in brass?
Brasses can contain up to 3.5 percent in lead contents, and are classified as low, medium, or high-leaded. Leaded brass may be used to make screws, valves, fittings, bearings, specialty fasteners, architectural hardware, and general purpose machine parts.
Does solid brass have lead?
While our brass does in fact contain approximately 2.5% lead to aid machinability, it is in a solid matrix with the copper and zinc that make up the brass and is entirely encapsulated by a clear coating comprised of acrylics and urethane solids (plastics).
Can you get lead poisoning from brass?
Brass devices in plumbing systems can create serious lead-in-water problems. Summary: A new research study highlights problems with some brass products in plumbing systems that can leach high levels of lead into drinking water, even in brand new buildings — and suggests that such problems may often go undetected.
Do brass fittings contain lead?
Why is lead added to brass? Lead is added to brass to make it easier to machine into smooth surfaces for valve seats, threads, and other fittings. Alternatives to lead have had some problems with corrosion in the past.
Does brass contain lead or nickel?
Brass is an alloy made mostly of copper and zinc, but when they made these faucets and valves from the late 1970s to 2014, the brass could also have up to 8% lead in it.
Does 260 brass have lead?
260 Brass is made up of 68.5-71.5% copper and 28.5-31.5% zinc. It can also contain up to 0.07% lead and 0.05% iron.
Does all brass contain lead?
Not all of them do – some faucets and valves can be made of plastic, steel, or ceramic. But brass is still widely used. Brass is an alloy made mostly of copper and zinc, but when they made these faucets and valves from the late 1970s to 2014, the brass could also have up to 8% lead in it.
Do brass handles contain lead?
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. There is no lead in brass.