How do you protect yourself from lead exposure?

**max384** · December 27th, 2009, 04:39 PM

I was curious what precautions other people take against lead exposure. Do you shoot indoors/outdoors? Do you ensure the indoor ranges are adequately ventilated? Do you only shoot 'clean' ammo (ammo that does not use lead styphnate in the primers)? For reloaders: Do you use only plated bullets or lead-free primers? Do you tumble outside or have a ventilation system for your tumbler(s)? Do you use a respirator for any of the reloading work (maybe for casting or separating media)? Do you take any other special precautions to prevent lead exposure? Does anyone get tested for lead levels on a regular basis?

Myself, I shoot outdoors exclusively, I don't shoot 'clean' ammo, I don't normally use lead-free primers (though I just got 5000 small pistol PMC lead-free primers), I tumble in my unfinished basement (that I don't spend any time in) next to an open door to cut down on any lead dust, I don't cast bullets, and don't use a respirator for any reloading work. I do keep my reloading area very clean and wipe up anything with a damp cloth to keep down on dust. I haven't gotten tested for lead levels, but have been thinking about it.

**XACEX** · December 27th, 2009, 04:59 PM

i wash my hands, lol

**ByAnyMeans** · December 27th, 2009, 06:08 PM

I shoot almost exclusively outside and a very well ventilated range when I am forced to go inside. I thoroughly wash my hands after shooting and also after cleaning the guns.

I don't reload yet but am looking to get into it once I can set my garage up. I am interested in how people cut down their exposure to lead when reloading, figure this is the time your most exposed if you mostly shoot outside.

**22LR** · December 27th, 2009, 07:22 PM

If i'm shooting one of my Taurus 22 revolvers I wear glasses, skimask and coat/gloves due to the amount of "stuff" they blow out everywhere!

you should always try to wash your hands so that you don't inadvertently "eat" any of the lead.

Outside I don't think you have to worry much about airborne lead especially if your shooting copper clad rounds.

Inside you do have to have positive ventilation to help remove lead particles for the relatively short time that they remain airborne.

I read something once which according to studies stated that indoor firearms instructors did not show excessive lead exposure in ranges that were well ventilated,however occupations like radiator repair or people cutting/welding metals (galvinized - lead painted) were much more at risk

It is my understanding that some of a persons lead exposure can be deposited in their bones, but for the most part it is excreted through normal processes and high body lead levels will correct themselves for the most part when new exposure is reduced.

**bogey1** · December 27th, 2009, 07:31 PM

i load all lead bullets, are they dangerous to be handling without gloves?

**tdyoung58** · December 27th, 2009, 07:49 PM

I don't do anything

**edstephan** · December 27th, 2009, 08:05 PM

There is a problem with lead???
News to me.
Wow, the things you learn on these interwebs...

An OC Activist and 1 of the 3%
Ed Stephan

**P7hk9** · December 27th, 2009, 08:07 PM

I reloaded and shot indoor pistol for a lot of years, and I have never had abnormal lead levels when I've been tested.

Tough I do find it amusing that people are trying to close shooting ranges for "excessive lead levels." Like it doesn't come from the ground to begin with :P

**customloaded** · December 27th, 2009, 08:10 PM

I smelt the bullets and lead shot outside and do the casting at the same outside bench.

I reload at the entrance to the barn so plenty of ventilation...
No lead free anything.

I always wash my hands and face and change clothes after doing any work with reloading or casting/smelting.

Also, after shooting, again, wash hands and face. Thats it.

Max, I think you would be wasting time and money getting tested at this point.

Ive only had one friend who had high levels of lead and the affects. He was shooting 3-4 days a week for like six months on indoor ranges with poor ventilation. Once he stopped shooting so much indoors, he got alot healthier.

I would recomment a face mask if doing anything indoors. You might look silly but no matter how well ventilated an indoor range is, your still standing around in smoke for a few seconds. just my opinion.