A really noob question.

[PandaLuv]

Hey guys, I have been here for some time, and I have learned a lot about safety, different guns, shooting techniques etc. But I recently found out that lead isn't so good for your health after reading something on a box. So I googled it.

I'm not talking about getting shot by lead bullets, I am talking about storing them. I know some hippies try to ban lead bullets in the US couple years back. I know you can get lead poisoning if you do certain jobs, mining, painting etc.What are the health risks of storing bullets and reloading them at your house?

I haven't met a single person that said anything about. I am pretty sure that there is not much to worry about either. I just wanna clear things up. Thanks

[CALI SHOT DOC]

Being around it can show increase levels in your blood but i haven't ever heard of anyone being seriously affected by it.

[coyotebait]

Just wash your hands after handling ammo and you'll be fine. If you're melting it down you'll definitely want to be outside. I think the biggest thing to take in to consideration here is that people have been handling lead for quite a few years, if it was as bad as asbestos or arsenic, we would have know by now.
Just my opinion

[BlueSpader]

If you use non-disposable gloves to handle lead, mark them and only use them to handle lead. Store them separately from other products. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling lead.

I wear disposable gloves inside my leather gloves when I handle lead at work.
Also, lead does oxidize (rust). Lead oxidation color is sorta white, like chalk. If you see it, wear a face mask in addition to the gloves. And wash your face after you wash your hands.

[beerman]

I used to chew lead fishing sinkers as a kid in the early 60s,used to swallow pints of leaded gas while siphoning gas for my lawn routes too.Chewed pounds of leaded paint off my wood cribs,toys ect. I am the head of engineering for an aerospace firm( for 30 years)....maybe lead helps

[23 Blast]

I used to chew lead fishing sinkers as a kid in the early 60s,used to swallow pints of leaded gas while siphoning gas for my lawn routes too.Chewed pounds of leaded paint off my wood cribs,toys ect. I am the head of engineering for an aerospace firm( for 30 years)....maybe lead helps

Imagine how smart you'd be if you DIDN'T eat lead!

Seriously though, I imagine that while it's not particularly good for you, it's not going to mess you up that bad unless you're constnatly inhaling lead dust, ingesting lead, etc.

[toby]

It is a bit dangerous but mostly for kids and toddlers, for Adult's it's a bit blown out of proportion. I had to take a lead handling certification class for work, and like most other things it's over kill. Wear gloves or wash your hands and don't eat while handling lead.

[redcliff]

I keep Handi-whipes in my range bag in the little individually sealed packets. When I'm done shooting and whiping down the guns I always whipe down my hands too to prevent any nastiness from getting into my sytem.

[XYZ]

Wash your hands in COLD water as warm or hot water will open your pores. Also, baby wipes in your range bag will help if that's all you have at the time.

[iareConfusE]

I reload hard cast bullets plenty (I buy them, don't make them), I don't think it's a problem at all. If you're worried too much about it, wear gloves, or thoroughly wash your hands after handling, and don't eat the bullets. I think you should be far more concerned about lead poisoning if you actually cast your own.

Read this thread at THR: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=307170

[Reductio]

Wait, you're worried just about storing the lead? Assuming you're storing ammo properly (i.e. in airtight metal ammo cans), then why even worry?

[fiddletown]

The procedures for handling lead are pretty similar to those when handling any moderately toxic substance.

[1] The major way lead can get into your blood is ingestion. Don't eat or drink while handling lead. Be very careful drinking when shooting (keep your hands away from you mouth or the lips of any drinking vessel). Avoid eating if possible. It may be best to also avoid drinking, but if you are shooting for extended periods, especially in the heat, that's impractical. You need to keep hydrated.

[2] After shooting, wash your hands thoroughly in cold (to avoid opening the pores) water and soap.

[3] You can also absorb lead through the lungs. So limit shooting at indoor ranges.

[Mikeb]

Seems like the risk, not mentioned, is that many primers use a lead compound and shooting in poorly ventilated indoor ranges can expose you to lead in the air. As far as handling lead... just wash your hands.
take care
Mike

[PandaLuv]

Thanks for the info. I feel like kinda dumb cause I ate a couple of times after shooting without washing my hands.
I just need to remember to washy hands after each time.

[Ubermcoupe]

I used to think about the possibility of lead poisoning eating right after shooting, especially @ the hotdog stand on the way home . Now I am more concerned about the "birth defects" aspect as I have not yet decided to have children.