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As you know, you do NOT need to boil ANY material for particles (e.g., atoms) to escape from the surface into the air! Materials CAN and do move from a solid state DIRECTLY to a 'gaseous' state; in water, it's called sublimation.
That happens at a MUCH faster rate if the material is 'hotter'. The rate of 'gasification' (horid invented word!) is HIGHER in molten lead than in 'solid' lead. Thus melting lead DOES increase the numbers of lead particales that can be inhaled! So...... only melt lead in an 'open' environment...... or better4 still, not at ALL!
Secondly, you are implying that it could have been lead that created the 'mad hatter' effect. We both know that it was the MERCURY (as you mentioned in passing). The mercury was 'ironed' into the 'knap' of top hats to give them a shine! The mercury in that example didn't need to boil to cause the problem. The boiling point of mergury is 356 C.... and that's hotter than most irons that would have been used.
Yes, I KNOW I am an old pedant!
However, we both agree that users should be CAREFUL with lead! I just don't want readers to think: 'so long as I don't boil the lead, I'll be safe......' ....they WON'T!
Ian
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