Is galvanized metal bad for you?

[zahc]

How bad does galvanized metal kill you if you use it to prepare food?

I was brewing beer outside, using my turkey fryer for the first time last weekend and I needed a container to hold some hot (170F) water in. I have a galvanized ice bucket like this:

http://www.manufacturer.com/cimages/product/www.alibaba.com/0331/l/11066606_Galvanized_Ice_Bucket.jpg

Which is the perfect size for what I needed, so I put a couple gallons of water in it and heated it to 78C/170F on my propane burner. I used the water as sparge water for my beer, but then later, I realized that galvanized metal is probably not food grade. But then, the water wasn’t in there but maybe 10 minutes and it didn’t get very hot (the ‘made-in-china’ sticker on the bottom wasn’t even burnt off from the propane flames). Plus, we use galvanized metal for livestock troughs all the time and they don’t die too bad. Should I dump out my beer just to be safe? Is it safe enough to use this in the future because, really, it’s the perfect container for this application.

[KD5NRH]

Which is the perfect size for what I needed, so I put a couple gallons of water in it and heated it to 78C/170F on my propane burner. I used the water as sparge water for my beer, but then later, I realized that galvanized metal is probably not food grade. But then, the water wasn’t in there but maybe 10 minutes and it didn’t get very hot (the ‘made-in-china’ sticker on the bottom wasn’t even burnt off from the propane flames). Plus, we use galvanized metal for livestock troughs all the time and they don’t die too bad. Should I dump out my beer just to be safe? Is it safe enough to use this in the future because, really, it’s the perfect container for this application.

With water inside, it's not going to get hot enough to do anything with the zinc, but I'd still watch the Goodwill stores and garage sales for something stainless.

[41magsnub]

http://www.finishing.com/466/34.shtml

It supposedly can leak zinc.

I don't know myself other than when welding galvanized metal you have to be extra careful about ventilation/breathing mask.

[MrsSmith]

It amazes me how frequently men come up with new and creative ways to demolish themselves, yet it never seems to work.

Sorry, couldn't help myself. As you were.

[Tallpine]

I used to weld galvanized metal, but I didn't inhale.

[PTK]

Find a restaurant supply store. What you need will be there, and will be quite cheap - I've found stainless 3qt mixing bowls for $4, for example, when Target, WalMart, and similar have the same item (of lesser quality) for $30.

[zahc]

The big thing is I need it to be fairly large diameter, which is why the ice bucket works so well. I could almost use one of those trays for under a hot water heater, if they were deeper. Of course if I didn't want to be able to heat the water in it, a rubbermaid tub with the rope handles would be good.

[Jim147]

I welded on a galvanized tank until I was sick once. I was outside but I should have had a mask too.

A couple of places to check for pots http://www.basequipment.com/ and I can't find the other link right now.

jim

[Nick1911]

I welded on a galvanized tank until I was sick once. I was outside but I should have had a mask too.

A couple of places to check for pots http://www.basequipment.com/ and I can't find the other link right now.

jim

Zinc fever.  Did that once.  Back when I was young[er] and dumb[er].  I wear protective gear now, and use fans, etc.

[Gowen]

Well, as my plumber put it the other day, "you get all your daily minerals in every glass full." 

[Chuck Dye]

I have seen galvanized water coolers with labels warning to use them for water only and specifically against acidic drinks. 

If you have access to an oriental grocery, they often have large stainless steel cook pots at low prices.

[Perd Hapley]

It amazes me how frequently men come up with new and creative ways to demolish themselves, yet it never seems to work.

We're trying to keep up with all the women out there who say things like, "But he won't hit me again, and besides, I love him." And, "Sure, I'll have a few drinks with you, stranger. What's the worst that could happen?" And so on. 

[sanglant]

something like this?, but this one is probably to big. 

[vaskidmark]

something like this?, but this one is probably to big. 

Oh, sure.  In an attempt to avoid zinc poisoning you suggest he get Alzeimer's?  http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_myths_about_alzheimers.asp

Well, at least he won't be aware of the damage he did following your suggestion.

stay safe.

[K Frame]

Galvanized containers can also release lead and my personal favorite, cadmium.

[Harold Tuttle]

SAM's club has a ton of stainless supplies

[lupinus]

yellowbook.com

search: restaurant supply

Find one and wander around. You will find something that suits your needs at a next to nothing price. There is usually at least one or two in any reasonably sized town.

[Jim147]

I prefer to burn CFC's these days over galvanized, seems to hit the lungs much quicker.

jim