A valid concern. Supposedly, tin (Sn) instead of lead (Pb) has been used for many years as the heat stabilizer in the rigid PVC pipe (uPVC) manufactured within the United States. I've read that China, India, and perhaps other Asian and European countries may still use lead in their PVC water pipes. And that's important since it could be difficult to confirm where the PVC pipe materials stocked in our local stores may have originated from. Some of the stuff I have around here is clearly stamped with "Made in U.S.A," whereas some is not.Originally Posted by Quakerella
My impression is that lead molecules are not easily released from the uPVC pipe sections that contain them. Moreover, I doubt that many birds are inclined to ingest PVC materials. But if/when they do so and the PVC they ingest happens to be of the lead-stabilized variety, presumably it would fail to break down in their digestive tracts - PVC is touted to be somewhat chemical resistant. So hopefully no lead molecules would be released. However, because there is no way to know for sure, it remains a frightening thing to consider. Therefore, I agree with you, Rosalyn... the best policy may be to avoid allowing one's birds access to PVC materials. Unfortunately, portions of the water pipes in many homes these days are plumbed with PVC items. And that may be significant because I've read it's the constant contact with water that's most likely to result in a leaching of lead
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