How Long Can I Leave Scotch in Lead Crystal?

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- Lead crystal decanters will leach lead into your alcohol.
The pH and Alcohol Content are Factors
- Lead will leach into the scotch rather quickly
  
  The higher the percentage of alcohol, the larger the amount of lead that will leach into the beverage. Also, the pH of the drink will affect the amount of lead that leaches into the liquor. Scotch has a pH of about 4.0, which is acidic enough to leach the lead rather quickly.
The Lead Content Will Increase Gradually
- The lead content of the scotch will increase the longer it is kept in the decanter
  
  The longer you leave the scotch in the decanter, the more lead will leach into it. After a day there will be about a milligram of lead in your scotch. The amount will increase gradually over the course of weeks, increasing the concentration of lead.
Bottom Line
- Keep the lead out of your body by keeping the scotch out of the lead
  
  It is best not to keep your scotch in a lead crystal decanter at all. The alcohol content and acidity of the scotch will cause lead to leach into the liquor gradually. It is best to use your decanters for show and keep the scotch in another container.

Washington Post: More Decanting

Photo Credit legs and scotch image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com lead pellet image by Evgeniy Mitroshkin from Fotolia.com scotch pouring image by Flashon Studio from Fotolia.com cast lead bullet image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com

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