pewter flask... bad idea?

[vl_mungo]

So I got a pewter hip flask as a present. I seem to remember that pewter is a lead related substance. Is it a bad idea to keep my whiskey in it?

[Mr. Miskatonic]

It depends on the pewter. I had a plate I bought from a reenactir supplier that was recalled due to the lead content of that batch of pewter. They sent me two replacement plates, packing and stamps to return the 'bad' plate. I don't think that kind of problem comes up very often.

Isn't lead also more of a developmental limiter? Mostly effects the brain development of children? Not sure what effect it has on adults.

[Q.E.D.]

Adult Lead Poisoning (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00056742.htm).

[gotpasswords]

Best bet is to find out who made the flask. Chances are pretty good that it is lead-free as lead-free pewter is readily available.

Most if not all of the pweter being sold at Faire (Northern) is produly proclaimed as lead-free

[gotpasswords]

ergh... produly = proudly. :smack:

[yabob]

Pewter is predominantly tin (at least 92% for current "American Pewter" standards). The rest may be a number of metals, including antimony, copper, bismuth or lead.

Modern day pewter objects intended for serving food will probably be lead-free. "Food grade" pewter will probably contain copper to make it less brittle, and antimony to prevent tarnish.

I would worry only if it were an antique or made in a third world country, not a modern item made in a nation with safety regulations.