From: "allen dick" " Probably the biggest risk in extractors is in the lead
solder (recent work
> suggests that there is no tolerance for *any* lead in human diets) that
was
> used in both galvanized and SS extractors until quite recently, but,
again,
> the solder gets coated with honey and is buried in honey down in the
cracks
> until the machine is washed.  Just don't drink the washdown water and you
> should be just fine.  "

In UK, lead is regarded very seriously - affects the mental  ability of
chldren for example.  My old galvanised extractors and settling tanks had
very pointy bottom joints sealed with solder and very difficult to clean as,
even if washed well,  the water did not drain out easily and those joints
were to dry out still covered in a fine layer of acidic substances. IMHO no
Food Standards Inspector is going to be too impressed to find galvanised
tanks still being used for honey,  however well maintained.

Beekeepers do have to move with the times - at least a bit - occasionally.

Robin Dartington

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