I'm new to this forum, but figure there must be some pretty savvy and experienced individuals here. Does anyone here have expertise in the toxicology of lead? I'm a new shooter and have a young son (10 month old). I sometimes worry about exposing my little guy to "take home lead" and it negatively impacting his health. I asked my kid's pediatrician about this and she seemed surprised that I was concerned. She said that of course I would be exposed to lead at the range, but that my body could probably handle a little lead. I told her that I shoot once per month and that I change my clothes as soon as I get home, have a separate pair of "range shoes" that I leave outside and that I shower and change my clothes as soon as I get home. I also use TMJ ammo (sometimes with lead free primers, when I can find it). She said that I'm taking good precautions but that even without them I'd probably not be able to bring home enough lead to harm my child. I don't know if she is saying this because I shoot only at outdoor ranges or if she doesn't know what she's talking about. She went on to say that of her thousands of patients she can't think of one that tested high for lead, that it is extremely rare these days???? Can she possibly be right? I have read so many horror stories and articles out there that attest to the opposite. I'm skeptical and confused, just don't want to harm my kid. Don't even get me started on the though of cleaning my guns inside of my little apartment with no backyard or garage. I have no idea where I will clean them without risking exposing my kid to lead.
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Calling all Scientists-LEAD POISONING!!!
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You and you kid will be fine.
Do not make a problem were there is none.
It is nice you are concerned but you need not be--especially with the steps you take
What you are doing is more than I have done and I have not had a problem since I started in the late 1950's. My daughter has never had a problem and she started shooting when she was 4.5 years old. I shoot both inside and out. Mostly outside now. I also shoot at least 4 times a month and usually for all day. I also RSO on other days. My daughter is 23 and has been shooting all along. No trouble for her or her 18 month old daughter.
Cleaning them will not cause trouble. Just clean up any mess you make.
I would not be concerned but if you are get tested for it. That would put your mind to rest.
This is my answer if you are not a troll. If you are then they will not let me post my answer with being banned. Not worth it.Last edited by Divernhunter; 01-10-2017, 8:18 PM.A 30cal will reach out and touch them. A 50cal will kick their butt.
NRA Life Member, NRA certified RSO & Basic Pistol Instructor, Hunter, shooter, reloader
SCI, Manteca Sportsmen Club, Coalinga Rifle Club, Escalon Sportsmans Club, Waterford Sportsman Club & NAHA Member, Madison Society memberComment
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Kids get lead in them from paint dust in old homes. Do you live in an old home and does your child chew on the painted surfaces?Anyone press will hear the fat lady sing.
Originally posted by Vin ScullyDon't be sad that it's over. Smile because it happened.Originally posted by William JamesI cannot allow your ignorance, however great, to take precedence over my knowledge, however small..Originally posted by BigPimpingWhen you reach the plateau, there's always going to be those that try to drag you down. Just keep up the game, collect the scratch, and ignore those who seek to drag you down to their level.Comment
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Troll post? I am looking for help, because it concerns me and there is so much information on the web that I don't know what to believe. Here is an example of an article: http://projects.seattletimes.com/201...d-with-lead/1/Comment
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Yep your doctor, the one who went to medical school, has no idea what she is talking about."A free people ought to be armed" George Washington, 1790
"Don't fire unless fired upon. But if they mean to have war, let it begin here" Capt. John Parker, 19 April 1776, Lexington GreenComment
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are you going to be afraid to touch your CLP to clean your weapon too?
this state has too many snowflakes.
And I too think he's a troll - exhibit 1: the title for the thread, Exhibit 2 - his post was too wordy.Last edited by bronco75a; 01-10-2017, 8:24 PM.Comment
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Wash your face and hands and change your clothing after shooting, and after cleaning your guns before hanging out with the little guy.- Rich

Originally posted by dantoddA just government will not be overthrown by force or violence because the people have no incentive to overthrow a just government. If a small minority of people attempt such an insurrection to grab power and enslave the people, the RKBA of the whole is our insurance against their success.Comment
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Thank you for your thoughful response.You and you kid will be fine.
Do not make a problem were there is none.
It is nice you are concerned but you need not be--especially with the steps you take
What you are doing is more than I have done and I have not had a problem since I started in the late 1950's. My daughter has never had a problem and she started shooting when she was 4.5 years old. I shoot both inside and out. Mostly outside now. I also shoot at least 4 times a month and usually for all day. I also RSO on other days. My daughter is 23 and has been shooting all along. No trouble for her or her 18 month old daughter.
Cleaning them will not cause trouble. Just clean up any mess you make.
I would not be concerned but if you are get tested for it. That would put your mind to rest.
This is my answer if you are not a troll. If you are then they will not let me post my answer with being banned. Not worth it.Comment
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When you clean your firearm, I'd imagine that particulate lands in the areas surrounding the table or whatever you are cleaning on. Around my space is carpet, which my kid crawls all over before putting his hands in his mouth. that's why it worries me smart guy. Microscopic particles are pretty light so I'd imagine the travel a pretty significant distance. You must not be a parent.Last edited by lawj11; 01-10-2017, 8:29 PM.Comment
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I have a baby too, and take precautions like you to avoid him contacting lead. I also reload with lead bullets, which leaves a lot of exposure for me. I make sure to wear gloves and wash my hands with D-lead soap, and change clothes. To be sure that it's working, I got him tested at his 18 month appointment, and he didn't have any measurable lead levels. Seems to be ok and I'm not worried about it anymore. Just get your kid tested.Comment
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Yeah he has an appointment coming up soon and I'm thinking about requesting a test. Do they do the heel poke, or do they need to draw a larger amount for the test?I have a baby too, and take precautions like you to avoid him contacting lead. I also reload with lead bullets, which leaves a lot of exposure for me. I make sure to wear gloves and wash my hands with D-lead soap, and change clothes. To be sure that it's working, I got him tested at his 18 month appointment, and he didn't have any measurable lead levels. Seems to be ok and I'm not worried about it anymore. Just get your kid tested.Comment
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Depends on the testing facility, it could be either. It's not that much blood that they need. You're a good parent. Don't worry about those guys giving you a hard time. Tough crowd around here. Most likely your kid is fine though. Enjoy your guns.Comment
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