The first things I read when I was investigating the idea of small foundry work was that brass and bronze can kill you. I read that those odd color flames, usually green, are the result of zinc burning off in the pot. I understood what this could do and have always been exceptionally careful about where I was standing in relation to where the smoke was going.
I find it amazing the stuff that is found in aluminum pieces too. I have melted down a couple of lawnmower engines, and some other junk to find out that there is manganese in the material and not pure aluminum. I understand that this stuff is just as ugly as the zinc too. I also foudn out that if you ever get the manga hot enough to reach a "burning" temperature that you would not get it put out with anything you are going to get from the hardware store in a household extinguisher.
Still fun stuff though. Just like anything else....read alot, think alot, read some more, and then give it a try. I have made this a habit with everything I have taken on hobby wise, and it has always paid off. Now where is that junk dirt bike at.......
) Ed Fowler had some articles on something he called "Dambrascus" in Blade Magazine like 15 years ago!