And of course one could bite them onto the string. I did it quite a few times.

I still do this. Is that a problem? Tungsten weights break easily and cost much more while having less SKU available

That's a strange question given the thread. You are either an AI that doesn't get the context or you have already chewed too much on them.

In case it's not the first: having lead in your mouth contributes to lead poisoning.

What a rude comment to an honest question

Just so we don't misunderstand, are you saying you actively chew lead?

I wouldnt say chew, but while fastening a slip weight to the line I might compress it slightly with my front teeth so that it grips the line.

My dad had a workshop where he made woodwind instruments. For some applications he required lead. I recall entertaining myself as a kid by melting some small pieces of lead with a welding torch and looking at the pretty liquid metal. It was in the outside air, but I can't help but wonder what I may have done to my brain that day. Thank god he didn't have mercury.

The vapor pressure of lead when it melts isn't anything ridiculous, afaik. It shouldn't have released that much lead gas unless you were really burning it. (See leaded solder) Also, liquid elemental mercury isn't as scary as the organic mercury salts or something that's been concentrated though bio-accumulation. People like Cody's Lab on youtube have tasted liquid mercury for fun

Yeah I did too, worst thing is that it stayed in water and I put grey water with lead particles in my hands.

I asked a doctor, and as long as it stayed in your skin, it's okay.

I think of the hours my friends and I spent handling lead we were using as strategic ballast in our Cub Scout Pinewood Derby cars.