Hmm. Maybe you were thinking about elemental mercury vs methyl mercury? That’s a case where the danger (at least through ingestion) depends greatly on the format.

[–] WaterWaiver@aussie.zone 2 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

I swear that I read that white lead oxide is water soluble, thus happily sticks to your fingers and then gets on your food. I must be misremembering.

Maybe it was something about the solid lead object turning into an (oxide) powder that can then be easily ported as tiny particles on greasy hands? Hearsay science and safety information from me today :)