Question about lead exposure from breast feeding

[Agent 0range]

Hello fellow Calgunners! So I want to take my wife to the range for her first time shooting to get her familiar with the guns we keep in the house. The only thing that makes me hesitate is that she is currently breast feeding our 5 month old son. Is there any risk of lead exposure to him from her? I'm in the habit of immediately showering and washing all my clothes as soon as I get home, and keeping my guns in their range bags until I clean them. I'm just wondering if her just breathing the air with lead dust could tranfer to him. Anyone have experience with this? Thank you in advance for any input; it's much appreciated.

[saki302]

You should be fine- have her wash her hands real good before leaving the range, and if you're super-paranoid, have her wear a dust mask while shooting.

-Dave

[Jeepergeo]

Risk will no doubt be very low with reasonable caution. But if you have any doubt, why take a chance?

I would not take the baby to the range...to much noise and not many options to protect its hearing.

[Agent 0range]

I too, highly doubt an hour at the range would be enough to cause any problems. It was just something that popped into my head, so I just thought I'd ask to see if it was something anyone else had considered. I'm probably over cautious, but when it comes to my kids, well, you know. Oh, and the kids will be at their uncle's while we go!

[wash]

Go to an outdoor range, lead vapor from primers is the primary source of lead shooting residue.

The best ventilated indoor ranges can't do as well as a gentle breeze.

If you are really paranoid, ask her to saranwrap her boobs.

That may be the only way to suggest that without sounding super pervy so if you like transparent plastic films, go for it.

[zhyla]

We're in the same boat (10 month old). There's no way in hell I'd take my wife to an indoor range until she's done nursing. From my googling on the subject it's probably best to just avoid shooting altogether for another 6 months until you wean. If you're not weaning until the kid is in kindergarten, well, go for it, your kid is gonna be messed up anyways .

If you are really paranoid, ask her to saranwrap her boobs.

To be clear, it's the lead intake from her lungs and exposed skin that will make its way into the breast milk.

[ERdept]

Iron is preferred 2:1 over lead.

[BKinzey]

Google Breastfeeding and Lead.

[locosway]

Hello fellow Calgunners! So I want to take my wife to the range for her first time shooting to get her familiar with the guns we keep in the house. The only thing that makes me hesitate is that she is currently breast feeding our 5 month old son. Is there any risk of lead exposure to him from her? I'm in the habit of immediately showering and washing all my clothes as soon as I get home, and keeping my guns in their range bags until I clean them. I'm just wondering if her just breathing the air with lead dust could tranfer to him. Anyone have experience with this? Thank you in advance for any input; it's much appreciated.

My grandfather worked in a steel mill where they used molten lead for various things. He was always exposed to lead, and had no side effects.

I'm sure lead isn't good for humans, being a heavy metal and all, but I can't help but wonder how exaggerated some of these claims are.

Of course we should learn as time goes on, and take proper precautions such as washing our hands, wearing gloves when cleaning the guns, etc. But overall I think lead isn't as big of a deal as it's made out to be in the firearm scene.