1.0 1.0 Sum of named elements 99.3 min. They have been granted UNS numbers C89510 and 89520, respectively, and can be used by all foundries without restriction. No lead is intentionally added. Even at maximum permissible levels, however, the lead content of SeBiLOY is low enough to pass the stringent lead-leach requirements of NSF Standard 61 for most plumbing devices. If a lower lead content is required, this can be specified when ordering metal from an ingot supplier.
Bismuth acts very much like lead in many respects.
Like lead, bismuth is nearly insoluble in copper and copper alloys and, also like lead, it causes machining chips to break up into small, easily removed particles. Unlike lead, however, bismuth is not known to be toxic to humans, except in cases of consumption of immense doses. In fact, its most common use for many years has been as the major ingredient in popular stomach medications. From a health standpoint, selenium, like copper, is one of the essential nutrient elements. That means plumbing goods currently made in leaded brasses should not have to be redesigned when cast in the new alloy.