Recent rulings and timelines from the outgoing Biden-Harris administration have further expedited the rise in inquiries and information about using bismuth as a lead replacement. With a concentrated focus on replacing lead piping and attempting to minimize human exposure to the possible carcinogen, bismuth is quickly becoming a highly sought-after replacement for countless applications. As a leading bronze and aluminum manufacturer, Erie Bronze & Aluminum has remained at the forefront of the pivot for bismuth as a lead replacement for use in castings and other applications. This page provides added insight into the legislative changes driving the change, why bismuth is a suitable replacement for lead, specifics on C89833 copper bismuth alloy, and why you should trust the experts at Erie Bronze for your future casting needs.
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Recent EPA Legislative Changes & Timeline
In October, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a final set of regulations and $2.6 Billion as part of the Investing in America agenda from Biden-Harris to provide clean drinking water to vast regions throughout the country. These regulations fall under what is known as the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) and mandate that all lead pipes carrying drinking water are identified and replaced within ten years. With an estimated 9 million homes still receiving unsafe drinking water through lead pipes, there is a sense of urgency to replace this outdated infrastructure with a safer alternative like bismuth.
These legislative wins are incredibly impactful throughout the Great Lakes region and hit close to home. The Erie, PA, Water Works is set to receive $49 million from the EPA to help enable the city to expedite their replacement of lead pipes in the region, reducing the expected timeline from 25 years down to just 5. Using bismuth as a lead replacement for plumbing fittings, pipes, valves, faucets, and any other component that comes into contact with drinking water is an incredible step toward creating a healthier and safer future.
Why is Bismuth a Suitable Replacement for Lead?
Bismuth is predominantly found in small quantities or combined with other elements in regions throughout Bolivia, Peru, Japan, Mexico, and Canada. Bismuth can also be obtained as a by-product during other metal refining applications that work with lead, copper, tin, silver, or gold. Several factors solidify bismuth as a lead replacement, especially for use in components or parts that come in contact with drinking water. While lead has long been prized for its workability, versatility, and availability, the health concerns and possible carcinogenic status make it unusable in applications with human exposure. The leading benefits of switching to bismuth to replace lead are:
- Similar Density: Bismuth has a density of 9.747 g/cm3 whereas lead is 11.34 g/cm3 making it a suitable replacement for applications that require a certain weight.
- Non-Toxic: Bismuth is non-toxic and is safe for human exposure in applications like food equipment, medical devices, and consumer products, and to replace the antiquated lead piping outlined in the EPA legislation previously mentioned.
- Casting Properties: Bismuth is a suitable replacement for lead in castings due to its excellent characteristics such as low shrinkage and enhanced molten fluidity that provide all the same dependable results without the toxic side effects.
- Easier Machining: As a relatively soft material, bismuth is incredibly easy to machine and can withstand the complex shapes and geometries of intricate castings.
- Expansion: Upon solidifying, bismuth actually expands slightly to reach its final dimensions making it advantageous for applications where a precise fit or seal is required like bushings, valves, or bearings.
C89833 Copper Bismuth Alloy
The specific bismuth alloy used in castings and other applications as a lead-free replacement is C89833 copper bismuth alloy. Used as a primary replacement for the traditional C836 leaded red brass alloy, C89833 is readily available to support the increasing demand throughout the market for a regulatory-compliant lead-free material for use in casting applications. C89833 is compliant with the key legislation previously mentioned including the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the S.3874 Federal Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, and is NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2022 compliant. Its primary usages are for corrosion-resistant pressure tight castings, impellers, and industrial pumps, and can meet ASTM B584 standards for copper alloy sand castings for other general applications.
Trusting the Experts at Erie Bronze & Aluminum
Erie Bronze & Aluminum is keen to be at the forefront of any conversation regarding bismuth as a lead replacement and is ready to be a critical component of improving the nation’s access to clean drinking water. The experienced team is constantly adapting to new technologies, including adding the DISA Match 20/24 Molding System, and can answer any questions you may have regarding the rise of bismuth as a lead replacement. For more information on our services and capabilities, please send us a message with more information on your upcoming project specifications and requirements! We look forward to working with you to provide lead-free castings that produce a safer and healthier future.
