The main thing with lead being outlawed for fishing is mainly due to small lead objects (like spilt shots) being injested by waterfowl. The same reason why they outlawed lead shot for waterfowl hunting. Apprently it is a reproductive toxin in waterfowl causes thing like poor eggshell thickness etc. Ive casted lead jigs and lures for a hobby,for many years, there was once talk about outlawing lead lures/jigs that are under a certain size but nothing came of it as of yet. Every piece of casting equipment you buy (molds, casting pots, ladles etc) has lead warnings on it, the fumes from melting lead are supposed to be a carcinagen, they recommend using a resperator (not a dust mask!) but they claim that the exposure to hobbyist is usally minimal. They warn you to wash hands and dont smoke drink or eat while casting objects,.Lead Split shot has to be casted with soft lead (lead that is more pure- less alloys in it)so that it can easily be pinched or opened, so probably has alot more toxicity to it. I use removable shot that can be bent open or shut with your fingers, or a pair of pliers, dont think putting it in your mouth is a good idea.
