10 replies to this topic

[raysracer]

So, I got to thinking about the potential hazard for lead poisoning to us shooters. Probably the biggest hazard is due to inhalation, either at an indoor range or while reloading.

I reload in the garage, but I don't have any special ventilation. I don't even open the side door to get extra circulation. Should I?

I was driving with my metal target plates yesterday in my suv. Warm day out. Anything to worry about? I usually leave the plates in the car. Laziness, yes. But it also saves room in the garage.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

[boomfab]

Shooting indoors is the worst.

Reloading is really no big deal. Just wash your hands properly and don't eat while reloading.

[MarkCO]

Ray, there are a BUNCH of threads on this on Enos...

http://www.brianenos...1
http://www.brianenos...1
http://www.brianenos...1
http://www.brianenos...1
http://www.brianenos...1

[raysracer]

I wrote an articel on this with the assistance of a Doctor several years ago. Feel free to pass it on to your clubs if you want.

http://dfuse.us/lead.html

MarkCo. Thanks for writing this article. It was very informative. I reported here in case anybody wanted to see it.

Quick question regarding the steel plates in the suv. So while it is in the passenger compartment, I assume since it is not being aerosolized, it should be fine? I wear gloves when I transport them in and out of the vehicle.

[MarkCO]

Yes, but dogs and kids could get lead off of the carpet. Might put them on cardboard or such.

[iShootguns]

The indoor range concern is definitely for real. I've been working for a firearms retailer/gun range for about 3 years now, and we just had a blood test three months ago to check for our lead levels. Long story short, I got a call and a letter from my county's health department on the hazards of lead and how I had been exposed, and that at higher levels it can be real dangerous yadda yadda yadda. Apparently, I was significantly above the county ordinance for lead exposure, but still below the "Dangerous/Lead Poisoning" level as defined by the CDC. I now wear a respirator instead of a surgical mask when I clean the range, and I have to minimize my unprotected time in the range until the level of lead in my blood goes down. Basically, don't treat lead exposure as a joke like my employer and I did for so long, because it can definitely have some pretty negative effects if left unchecked.

[dukeguy]

I just got my blood test back and my lead level is slightly above normal. I don't shoot indoors and I wear latex gloves to clean my guns and handle lead bullets during reloading. I also use a de-lead soap to wash gun shot residue off my hands after shooting. Having done all of that, I still have a slightly elevated lead level.

[theycallmeingot]

i handle my lead bullets bare handed. i guess i never really took it seriously. wonder how much the blood test costs a non-insured person?

[DoubleL]

I'll bet if you search online with a little google fu you would find an at home test available...
Click here

[Round_Gun_Shooter]

Just had my annual physical. I was up over 30 a couple years ago and have been tested regular since. This year, 11 is the number Gave up shooting indoors. Bought better thermals for winter

[g.willikers]

Is storing all that steel in the car a good idea?
What would happen if you got into an accident?
There would be a lot of heavy stuff flying around.