How dangerous is it to move furniture out of a letterpress shop?

I’ve been using a book shelf in my shop to store all kinds of things and am considering moving it to my bedroom. Is this a bad idea because of the lead dust all over it? If not, how well do I need to clean it?

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tlevine…. “lead dust” is most likely not a problem. Type typically does not generate “dust” unless you grind or sand it….. which is not very common.

If you are worried, just vaccuum it with a handheld vac, and you should be fine.

Well, lead oxides can form on lead type in adverse storage conditions (“type blight”), which can then be shed as dust. But unless such type has been stored loose on your shelf, its dust wouldn’t be there. And even then a swipe with a damp rag should remove any residue.

yep, PI…. you are technically correct. So I stand partially corrected.

SO… tlevine…. look at your type first. It is growing white “fur” then you might want to clean it with a cloth or vaccuum it first.

On an arcane but interesting related point: do not use vinegar to clean type. The acid will create an absorbable oxide. I’ve never heard of anyone using vinegar… but hey, it could happen.

Awesome

My paranoia is partly caused by how the shop and the rest of basement just feel dirty. I’ll move the shelf upstairs now.