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This is so true. In the old (Roman) days people knew exposure to lead was bad but it was so useful that it was considered OK if you took some care. I fished with lead weights as a kid and the first quantification of lead leaking out of crystal I saw was in the mid-90s. We put up with selling a lot of toxic things, as long as it makes them pretty or cheaper. Or both. And it can take a long time to notice the toxicity of a new chemical and longer for it to be regulated. That is why the more traditional things (e.g. plain wood, silver) are often safer.

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