Lead at shooting ranges

[Carcassonne]

I shoot outdoors, and I test positive for lead. I test once a year. I shoot mostly cast lead.


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[leadchucker]

Some of you sound much more likely to die from an ulcer than from lead poisoning.

[ZirconJohn]

Bacon is bad for you, eggs are bad for you, steak is bad for you … gluten sugar, salt … swimming in a lake can give you ear mites …,

Shoot a gun get lead poison That's it … turn'em all in guns are bad for you --- ohhhhhhhh the huge manatee

[IVC]

Lead is tricky - touching a lot of lead will have much smaller effect than inhaling lead vapor. Similarly, fine lead residue in the eyes, nose or mouth will be much more easily absorbed into bloodstream than when just present on the hands.

That's why it's critical to wash hands and face after shooting (and use cold water - warm water opens pores and increases lead absorbtion). It's not the touching of the bullets that is the primary concern, it's the fine residue that can end up in the bloodstream.

This is also why indoor ranges are so much more problematic when it comes to shooting - lead vapor from each shot. You completely depend on the quality of ventilation at that particular range. Outdoor ranges are much better, but you still get some exposure. Think of it as "second hand smoke" - if you're indoors, you get much more of it than if you're outdoors, no matter how well the range is trying to clean it up.

[f4tweet]

“Some of you sound much more likely to die from an ulcer than from lead poisoning.”

It's not the dying. it's the damage to your organs and nerves, and quality of life I want to avoid.

[IVC]

Why bother asking if you don't want to hear multiple answers and opinions? You can use search engine instead...

[71MUSTY]

When I was shooting at an indoor range daily I had my lead levels checked yearly, they never really fluctuated much or went above 10.

Washing your hands after you shoot seems to reduce lots of risk. Doesn't rally matter how clean your gun is was after or some guys here will flip out.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1451602&highlight=wash+hands

[f4tweet]

I do want to know, I was quoting leadchucker.

[leadchucker]

Hhhhmmmm. I'm an avid diver. I handle upwards of 154,000 grains of lead weights on any given dive. A .38 bullet is only 158 grains of lead. If I had the time, I'd calculate the surface areas to make a better comparison, though I don't believe solid lead permeates skin by mere touch to any significant degree. But, I also cast bullets, and shoot indoors often. In so doing, I use common sense precautions. I suppose I'd get checked if it was included on my insurance, but, then again, I still wouldn't change a thing. I'm enjoying life the way many oldtimers have done before me.

[jeremiah12]

Lead is something to be concerned about. Remember though that not that many years ago during the era of leaded gasoline, the average person had much higher blood levels of lead than today. That was also when paint had lead. My grandparents lived to be over 80. My FIL is near 90.

There are many old timers here who lived through those times where we were exposed to all of those things that were harmful and wore no protective clothing. We are still going strong today.

Assess your situation. If worried, get the blood test. The results though get sent to the state unless you first request they do not.

I shoot at an outdoor gun range in the central valley. In the summer, the temps get to 100 or more. If I do not drink water, I would dehydrate fast. So I drink water while shooting. The range has no rules about eating or drinking. They take a libertarian view in that sense, do what you want. They are only concerned about firearms safety.

[Bopper]

wow, had no clue it was that serious

[IVC]

I handle upwards of 154,000 grains of lead weights on any given dive.

That lead is not propelled at high speed, heated up and fragmented upon impact to create dust and/or vapor. Even if you licked it to see how salty it is, you wouldn't ingest enough to make a difference.

Also, for a few extra bucks you can get coated weights (which is what I use).

[MosinVirus]

Just think... Some time ago lead paint was used everywhere. People that go fishing handle lead weights, people pour and cast their own lead projectiles...

[smle-man]

I shot for three years on an indoor range in the basement of my high school that was barely ventilated. We practiced daily for a couple of hours. I've reloaded with lead bullets for decades and have been shooting for 48 years. I grew up in the era of leaded gas and no car smog controls and lived amidst the belching steel works of Pittsburgh.

My lead test a couple of years ago was around 3.

Practice basic hygiene and you will be ok. I don't shoot on indoor ranges very often because I find them unpleasant.

[mikeyr]

I have been casting lead bullets and doing lead bodywork on cars for 40 years. I actually used to cast indoors because I was young and stupid. I still lead cars indoors but with good ventilation. I have been reloading and shooting 40 years also.

After a long weekend of leading a car late last year when it was cold and rainy outside so I didn't have the fans going to try and keep the garage warm, I got a really bad headache for a few days, went to doctor and told her what I was doing. She sent me out for a blood test, lead level came back well below normal.