There has been much comment in the public domain recently regarding the use of lead in the manufacture of organ pipes. Much of this has emanated from the media in the United Kingdom, however the media in Australia, and particularly in Sydney, have now “latched” on to the subject. This has, in part, been fuelled by the recent unfortunate destruction by fire of the historic Hill & Son pipe organ at St. Barnabas’ Anglican Church, Broadway in Sydney.
The entire subject revolves around new EU regulations due to take effect on 1st July regarding the use of lead in what could be described as “disposable” electronic devices, for example mobile telephones. Lead is used in the production of printed circuit boards and the solder used to affix components to these. The new EU regulations make it illegal to use lead based compounds in the manufacturing process. Manufacturers must comply with this and ensure that all solder and components are lead-free. Due to mistakes made in the drafting of these regulations, the pipe organ has become an innocent victim.
Unfortunately, much of what has been said in the media is alarmist, ill-informed and incorrect. The metal alloy used by pipe organ builders in the manufacture of organ pipes does contain lead. Its properties are however completely stable in this, its finished form. Many households around the country would have a similar alloy in their possession in the form of pewter.
The Australian Guild of Master Organ Builders wishes to stress that no existing pipe organ, or any presently in the process of manufacture pose a risk to public health or safety with regard to the presence of lead in the instrument’s pipes. Pipemakers have been manufacturing pipes using molten tin/lead alloys for a millennium; voicers and tuners have constantly handled these pipes; congregations and audiences have enjoyed the sound made by wind passing through them; and sadly, occasionally crowds have witnessed their destruction by fire. In all this, there has been no recorded instance of lead poisoning.
For more detailed and up-to-date information, we refer you to the Institute of British Organ Building’s web-site www.pipes4organs.org which deals directly with the subject.
Rodney Ford – Vice President