When I was a the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis we installed a giant
show of Frank Ghery's work, including a 36 foot long fish with sheet lead
'scales'. The education person at the time suggested using the scrap lead
for a kids project. It took a while to convince him that lead is HIGHLY
TOXIC, especially when in contact with moisture.
Avoid contact with any exposed skin! Use caution choosing gloves --
certain types of rubber actually increase your vulnerability because the
chemical can leech through them and the glove raises skin temperature,
causing increased sweating. Contact your local OSHA for more info. In any
case a handrail is deffinately out of the question!

**************************************************************************
Mark Nielsen
Exhibit Designer/Preparator
University of Michigan Museum of Art
[log in to unmask]      313/647-2068

On Tue, 15 Oct 1996, Cynthia Schartman wrote:

> A question for exhibit designers and fabricators:
>
> Sheet lead has been proposed as a  construction material for an exhibit
> handrail.  Although this material is used for roofing, and assumedly
> handled by roofers during construction, concern has been raised about
> the health hazards for visitors, especially children, who may
> touch the rail.  Anyone familiar with this material or lead standards?
>
> tia for any info,
> Cindy
>
> -----------------------------
> Cindy Schartman
> George Washington University
> [log in to unmask]
>