One on my childhood passions was fishing. I fished from about 1978-86 as often as possible, I was between 8-16 years old. My method of attaching lead split shot weights to my fishing line was by clamping down on them with my teeth. I’d take them off the line with my teeth as well. I did this hundreds if not thousands of times. Lead is so soft and malleable. I’m sure I sucked on them too while tying knots or rigging up. I obviously used my hands too and I remember lead coloration on my fingers. I thought it was interesting that some metals could bend and on occasion I’d melt larger weights in a campfire because the low melting point was fascinating.

I wasn’t really aware of any potential for lead poisoning partly because my dad and I didn’t think that fishing weights would be sold with lead if they were dangerous.

Are there many cases of lead poisoning in children in this manner? Does lead leave your body over time even if it’s not water soluble? Any concerns here?

53m now and I do have some peripheral neuropathy and possible cognitive issues.

Thank you!