Kadrok she/her Posted May 18, 2013 Posted May 18, 2013 (edited) How do Ferrings of toxic metals like Cadmium or Bendalloy avoid getting sick?If I can quote Wikipedia for a moment (first class scholarship here): "Wood's metal (Bendalloy) is toxic because it contains lead and cadmium, and therefore contact with the bare skin is thought to be harmful, especially in the molten state. Vapour from cadmium-containing alloys is also known to pose a danger to humans. Cadmium poisoning carries the risk of cancer, anosmia (loss of sense of smell), and damage to the liver, kidneys, nerves, bones, and respiratory system."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood%27s_MetalMetalminds require skin-contact, as I recall. Edited May 18, 2013 by Windrunner Fixed your link for you! :)
Phantom Monstrosity Posted May 18, 2013 Posted May 18, 2013 (edited) Well, keep in mind that there are also people allergic to zinc or copper. And pewter contains lead, which has contact toxicity problems as well. Pewterarms already have to worry about burning up their metals entirely before they sleep. There's a difference between inhaling something/ handling a liquid version versus touching a solid piece. It isn't nearly as bad just to touch it, though I suspect the feruchemists should wash their hands and limit exposure so much as is feasible. Edited May 18, 2013 by Phantom Monstrosity
Millennium Posted May 18, 2013 Posted May 18, 2013 I'd guess that much like Allomancers, Feruchemists have some limited protection from the toxic effects of the metals they use. Eating them would certainly be a bad idea: even Allomancers can be poisoned by metals they ingest but don't burn, and most Feruchemists don't have the burning option. It might even be a bad idea to handle their metalminds unless actively storing or tapping. But as long as they're engaged in Feruchemical stuff, they probably don't have to worry about toxicity. 1
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