Document xpreOpQRx4nvVzDvzQG0dd4b

Lead Industries Association, Inc. 292 Madison Avenue New York, N. Y. 10017 Telephone: (212) 679-6020 August 23, 1971 TO: HOBBY KILN MANUFACTURERS SUBJECT: PROPER FIRING AND HANDLING OF LEAD FUMES IN HOBBY KILNS Gentlemen: From recent research it is clear that the "teachability" of lead from glazed ceramic art and hobbyware can be greatly affected by kiln conditions during firing. Hobby or art craft firing of leaded glazes is commonly performed in electrically heated kilns with automatic shut-offs and no forced air circulation. Most importantly, these kilns do not provide for proper venting of lead fumes to the out-of-doors. Proper ventilation--along with forced air circulation--must be incorporated in the kiln by the manufacturer in order to assure that the non-professional craftsman or hobbyist fires safe ware. Without proper circulation, dangerous variations in temperature, as well as serious accumulations of lead fumes within the kiln, could occur. While it is recognized that the hobbyist and art crafter are concerned with ecpnomy, and that the incorporation of forced circulation and ventilation ih the kiln will add to the cost of his equipment, the proper glazing of ceramic food utensils is a matter of- vital importance to consumer safety., These features (forced air circulation and venting to the atmosphere) would provide a substantial degree of insurance, and hence, are highly desirable. We are concerned that these features be incorporated by hobby kiln manufacturers before State and Federal agencies get involved and possibly place more stringent regulations than are necessary on the hobby and art craft activities. In order that we may be prepared to -76992 HOBBY KILN MANUFACTURERS 2 August 23, 1971 deal with these agencies intelligently, will you please, within the next two weeks (that is by September 6, 1971) , let us know - #1 whether you are now incorporating such features in your hobby kiln, and, #2 if not, by what date you would expect such features to be available as a standard item for your products. Sincerely, JFS:lm Jerome F. Smith Manager, Advertising & Technical Service LIR-T6993