Is It Drinkable or Should I Pitch It? - Page 2

DrJerryrigger · 10-12-2011, 04:05 AM

Agreed, glass sinks. It would be best if it wasn't carbed as that will make things flop around more.

I'm also not that scared of glass, I've ingested more than my share of it over the years. I don't want to push anyone to take any risks, but if you think you can leave the bottom gal undisturbed you should be okay.
The pellets were likely not lead, if you still have any you can test this (or you can buy the same one and break it open for experimenting). Just try to crush one with pliers. If it crushes, it's lead, if it holds it's form it's not.
As for the other junk in there, I can't say. That's what I'd be scared of.

kh54s10 · 10-12-2011, 04:21 AM

You could get a lead paint test kit.. It might tell you if the pellets are lead. I don't know if it would work with the beer itself.

budsandsuds · 10-13-2011, 03:45 AM

I did the same thing with a floating thermometer with BB's in the bottom while cooling my wort a few months back. Mercury was still in the thermometer portion, just the housing (glass) and the BB's were in my wort.

I use a strainer/funnel to filter before putting in the carboy and when all was said and done most of the BB's were left in the boiling kettle.

Don't sweat it! My beer turned out exceptional with no off flavors what so ever. (LH Milk Stout Clone from this site/4 week primary at ~65)

fatguy-littlecoat · 10-13-2011, 12:09 PM

just dump it.

**MaxOut** · 10-13-2011, 12:33 PM

Dump it. The BB's are lead.

**Petho** · 10-14-2011, 03:54 AM

More importantly, buy a thermometer made of metal.

warex · 10-14-2011, 12:13 PM

The price of a batch of beer is cheap compared to the cost of going to the ER.

Be safe!

**flananuts** · 10-14-2011, 01:09 PM

Run it through a 5 micron filter and lead bloc water filter and RDWHAHB. I'm pretty sure most thermometers don't use mercury anymore. If it's a red dyed liquid material it's alcohol or light oil. I also doubt the bb's in the bottom were in contact long enough to cause issue. After all, all fishing tackle is known to cause cancer only to people in California.

statseeker · 10-14-2011, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flananuts

Run it through a 5 micron filter and lead bloc water filter and RDWHAHB. I'm pretty sure most thermometers don't use mercury anymore. If it's a red dyed liquid material it's alcohol or light oil. I also doubt the bb's in the bottom were in contact long enough to cause issue. After all, all fishing tackle is known to cause cancer only to people in California.

You forgot everything in a car, the packaging of food, and the interiors of most restaurants.

I'd rack as far up as I felt comfortable with and relax. Glass wont be stirred up unless you stir it up. As with every situation though, your mileage may vary. Take caution.

**anervusguy** · 10-14-2011, 05:51 PM

Thermometers do not contain mercury anymore. They use alcohol in it's place so mercury poisoning is not an issue.

However, in my opinion, I think you're making the right move. I wouldn't risk it either. I'd dump it and call it a learning experience.