|
Welcome to Zagar's Health and Safety Information page:
The purpose and scope of this page is to inform and educate users of metal saxophone mouthpieces about the potential health hazards that exist with inappropriate materials of construction.
The team at Zagarsax have frequently been asked whether any of our mouthpieces contain harmful substances such as Lead (Pb) within their composition. The answer to this question is a categorical NO!
An inappropriate metal mouthpiece composition may also contain other harmful elements such as Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd) and Nickel (Ni).
As far as toxicity is concerned, Lead and Nickel are the most common additions to inappropriately constructed mouthpieces, and their use is to be highly deprecated.
Lead is a potent neurotoxin that damages developing brain tissue, and an affected individual is frequently iron deficient and pale due to anemia (red blood cell deficiency – this can easily be tested for). “Lead lines” appearing on gingival (gum) tissue are also an indication of “Lead poisoning”.
Nickel is another material that should never be used in metal mouthpiece construction – either in the base metal, or in electroplated deposits. The effects of Nickel can range from a minor irritation or cracking of the lips, to severe sensitization with subsequent ulceration and bleeding of the mouth tissue ie lips, gums and cheeks. Very few people develop the most severe symptoms; however, manufacturers should avoid Nickel due to the potential hazards associated with this metal.
It is interesting to note that all the highly collectable vintage metal mouthpieces of yesteryear contain both Lead and Nickel. The Lead is present as discrete microscopic globules (up to 2% within the brass alloy – to assist machinablilty). The Nickel is present in at least one of the electroplated layers.
When we receive enquiries about the allergies that people are experiencing with mouthpieces, we suggest that these sax players try out our products. The good news is that all symptoms and allergic reactions disappeared once these players switched to our Zagar products.
Zagarsax is also aware that many players are developing allergies to some brands of new mouthpieces that are currently on the market. If you are one of these players, contact the manufacturer of the mouthpiece and ask whether your mouthpiece contains Lead and/or Nickel. This simple question will alert you to any potential safety issues with the mouthpiece that you are playing. You can then make an informed decision as to whether you should be playing this particular mouthpiece - being informed may save your health in the long term.
Zagarsax hopes that the above information has been an "eye opener". Before you purchase your next metal mouthpiece, always ask the manufacturer/maker whether their metal mouthpiece product contains any Lead and/or Nickel.
|