Making jewelry from bullets is a popular hobby all over the world. However, few are aware of the risks involved with using lead bullets in necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry.
Some reported cases of lead poisoning of children following exposure to jewelry containing lead, led to the passing of a regulation of the maximum amount of lead (along with a few other heavy metals) allowed in jewelry in the EU (2013).
How much lead is ok?
At the moment in the EU, the maximum amount of lead accepted in jewelry is 0.05% by weight. It is important for the consumer to know the risks involved when buying jewelry made from lead bullets. Bullet necklaces and bracelets containing lead are sold in many places. According to EU regulations anyone who distributes, even in small scale, these products are in violation of EU regulations. ”Lead flowers” made from shot bullets are another example where lead is exposed and can come in contact with the skin of the wearer.
How dangerous is lead?
Lead in direct contact with the skin is not necessarily a big risk. The moment lead is ingested on the other hand increases the risks massively. The reported deaths of small children due to lead poisoning have in most of the cases been attributed to swallowing or suckling on pieces of lead, or jewelry containing high amounts of lead. (See link below for reference) Lead poisoning lowers children’s IQ drastically. Even when the blood lead levels are quite low, and it can eventually lead to death.
What can I do as a customer?
First of all, make sure the jewelry you buy is made from non lead bullets and other metals guaranteed not to contain lead. Solid brass bullets are growing in popularity. there is no excuse to using lead bullets in bullet casing jewelry anymore. If you have jewelry containing lead bullets today, stop using them immediately. This is even more important if you have small children. Even better is to buy jewellery cast in silver or gold to make sure no heavy metals are involved. Another aspect is that jewelry made in precious metals is an investment.
Keep the bullets away from children!
As hunters we are aware of the dangers involved with handling guns, sharp ammunition, knives and other obvious risks. However, few of us are aware of the fact that a pretty small amount of lead can kill your child if swallowed. Keep the lead bullets locked away at all times. Never let your children play with the used cases and bullets unattended. See to that they wash their hands after coming in contact with lead. Make sure to wash your hands properly after shooting and handling ammunition. And of course, use solid brass bullets (like the Norma Ecostrike) or properly bonded bullets with low fragmentation when hunting and you are on the safer side of things.
What does Paula Lindgren do to keep lead out of their jewelry?
None of our jewelry contains lead. We have developed several methods to offer jewelry that looks like authentic bullets. They do not contain lead or other banned metals. As a company, we need to keep ourselves updated with current regulations and deliver a safe product. Personally none of us would be able to sleep well at night if we knew we offered products that could cause people harm.
Here are some examples of safe jewellery that we offer:
Petite earrings in silver or gold
Bear bracelet in silver and leather
Links:
Health and State in Minnesota. Information of the death of a 2 year old due to lead poisoning through ingestion of a metal charm.
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/lead/topics/braceletrecall.html
Wikipedia, Lead poisoning:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_poisoning