If lead is melted there is vapor. Brass melts at very low temperatures but as you said not nearly as low as lead. The lead added does not go into "solution" (alloy) with the base metal, it is in the form of lead "non-metallic inclusions" which act as lubricant when the cutting tool goes through.
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Fumes
Lead has a low melting point of 621.5 degrees Fahrenheit making it useful for welding and soldering projects that increase the potential of breathing harmful fumes. The New York State Department of Health cautions that heating paint to remove it, soldering, lead smelting, or torch-cutting contaminated metal can release the dangerous fumes.
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