Think of it like asbestos, it's perfectly safe as long as you don't mess with it.

Don't lick the walls, or demolish one (making dust) and you are fine.

In regards to the solar panels, I'm sure manufacturing is mostly automated and since we know the hazards of lead very well I'm not concerned there.

From a consumer perspective the wafers are behind a sealed glass panel, you'll never touch them and they will never touch rain.

Recycling is same as manufacturing, we know the risks and can manage them well.

I do. Still have yet to upgrade as despite some spatter it still handles fine. Gone all the way to 1/4in and still got acceptable strong welds.

I'm about to do some frame rails and I don't think I'll get enough penetration, so I'll be borrowing the neighbors stick welder that runs on 220v. But other than that I've not needed anything different.

Grinder and paint, hides it fine.

Harbor freight, get the $150 flux core wire feed welder. $80 auto darkening helmet (the one that comes with the welder is garbage) $22 spool of flux core wire. $8 gloves. $free some old long sleeved shirt.

Have at it. Yeah your welds aren't gonna look great. But by the 2nd spool you should have the hang of it.

Well it lasted 30 years. I'd say you got your money's worth.