No More Lead In Movies
LEAD EXPOSURE
There is a serious and ongoing safety problem in the film industry. Cast and crew who work in close proximity to certain special effects explosives and pyrotechnics are being placed at risk for lead exposure. The traditional bullet hits/squibs commonly used are leaded and their explosions create high concentrations of lead dust which can easily be inhaled. The lead dust, often invisible to the naked eye, settles on sets, props, costumes and equipment that are not cleaned for lead contamination. This situation has been known in the industry for years, yet it has been hidden in plain sight.
HEALTH RISKS
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has indicated that lead exposure has damaging health effects in adults. They have noted that the greater the levels of lead, the more likely the health problems. High blood lead levels are associated with cardiovascular effects, nerve disorders, decreased kidney function and fertility problems.
Lead risks the health of everyone, especially children who may be effected by cognitive delays and ADHD. Women who are pregnant or might become pregnant are placed at greater risk due to potential harm to the fetus, as well as those with weakened or compromised health.
STOP LEAD IN F/X
When viable alternatives exist, why is the film industry still using leaded bullet hits/squibs? Why are the cast and crew not being warned of potential exposure and health risks? How long has this practice been buried? How do we stop it?
Do learn about this issue and share with others. Contact state, federal, health and regulatory agencies, unions, film commissions and organizations affiliated with entertainment industry safety.
BEWARE OF LEAD EXPOSURE
RIDDING SPECIAL EFFECTS PYROTECHNICS OF LEAD USE
NO MORE LEAD IN MOVIES
ABOUT
Tassilo Baur
"Especially when it comes to safety, we have to do the best we can, not the least we can get away with. The status quo that has been adopted by the film industry to continue to risk people’s health with lead exposure is completely unacceptable."
Tassilo Baur has worked in the film industry over 25 years. He is a state and federally licensed special effects supervisor for movies and television, and an expert on bullet hit/squib chemistry and manufacturing. He is also an author, trainer and lecturer on special effects related safety.
When Tassilo sounded the alarm about the lead exposure risks it was met with those responsible not providing the needed leadership nor the adequate response. He therefore sees no other recourse than to alert the public. His greatest concern lies with those who are potentially in harm's way: Actors, stunt and special effects personnel, camera operators, extras, fire safety officers, virtually anyone on set who is in the vicinity of special effects detonations.
The tragedies of lead poisoning in Flint, Michigan and the Exide plant in California underscore the danger of lead exposure. It is imperative that the film industry discontinue the needless use of these leaded products that risk people's health. For many years now, the fireworks business, the theme park and stage entertainment industry, and many foreign filmmakers have adopted non-leaded pyrotechnics, placing people's health first. It is way over due for the American film industry to consider the same.