Is my mash tun safe to use?

[TairyHesticles]

Hello,

I recently built a mash tun by following the instructions on the "How to make a Mash Tun from a cooler" video that is embedded in the Video Locator - How To....... sticky. Today I was reviewing other similar videos on YouTube when I came across this same video's link () with the following comment written below it:

"IMPORTANT: brass from most countries outside of the USA contain lead which is released in larger quantities when put into contact with an acid (ie the mash).  Only recently was lead made illegal in the USA. I checked Lowes and their brass fittings are from China and contain .25% lead when wet (more when using it for beer). And the Gal steel is not food grade either. DO your research. Heavy metal poisoning is no joke. The only thing that is food grade in this video is the cooler and the SS."

Is this something to be worried about? Should I not use it this weekend as planned? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Walker]

don't be worried about it.

If you are concerned, you can "pickle" the brass to remove the lead on the surface. the rest of the lead will be buried inside.

I just used Lowe's brass, straight out of the package. No pickling. No nothing. The amount of lead is pretty small, and I'm sure I was exposed to a hell of a lot more lead as a child than there even is contained in my brass fittings.

 

[thisjrp4]

I made mine with brass and I haven't had any problems that I know of. I never had the doc say my blood test came back positive for lead.

 

[TairyHesticles]

Sounds good. I appreciate the comments. 1st all grain here I come!

 

[crlova2]

I made mine from that video. I did a couple batches then switched to stainless steel fittings. I did it just because I didn't like way the brass was starting to look (nasty). I got some pretty cheap stainless fittings from this site. But I wouldn't worry too much if you use brass. I was a little but I did it anyway until it all started looking nasty and that is when I decided it wasn't that much to get the couple stainless parts that were needed. I still use a brass shut off valve because those in stainless are pretty expensive.

http://www.buyfittingsonline.com

 

[snccoulter]

My thoughts. this stuff has been used for years in fittings and there have not been issues it is just recently poeople have strted to recomend you not use it but we are not twitching so there shoud be no issues.

 

[lumpher]

we all use brass fittings and don't have any mental problems.. now where did i put my earmuffs... anyway, back to the topic... something about having a fit .. it's all good. i pickle my brass, but that sounds a little personal

 

[Duckfoot]

I just drool and twitch a little more than usual since I started brewing with brass components... However, YMMV....



Serously though, if you are concerned, just follow the guide to pickling it and let that put your mind at ease...

 

[lamarguy]

You're all going to DIE of lead poisoning!

 

[ChshreCat]

I don't worry at all about lead in my beer. All I want is something nice and cold to wash down the paint chips I eat.