Danger of lead while cleaning? - Page 2

tamworth · August 5th, 2008, 05:29 PM

wow, that's very (dare I say it) eye opening! So, given my previous debate with my dad, if we're all shooting fmj ammo, where does the lead in the air in the range come from?

Thank you all for very informative responses.

maxx366 · August 5th, 2008, 05:34 PM

chance of lead poisoning for the bg

Ram Rod · August 5th, 2008, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Cleaning a gun, I would think the chemicals are more of an issue then the lead is.

I'll second that notion. The average person probably comes in contact with lead more often than they'd realize from all sorts of products. Arsenic and mercury are probably up in there too.
http://orgs.unca.edu/eqi/lpp/where.html

Quote:

Brass Items

Brass is a metal alloy meaning it is a mixture of more than one metal. Brass is made of copper and zinc. Lead is a natural contaminant in zinc because the two are mined together from the earth.

http://www.springerlink.com/content/h67rh476p5p3666q/
http://www.utexas.edu/safety/ehs/msds/lead.html
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ranges/

LenS · August 5th, 2008, 07:13 PM

I now wear nitrile gloves (cheap at BJ's, Costco or Sam's Club) while cleaning guns. Hands don't stink after you're done and it keeps the chemicals from being absorbed thru the skin (or any break therein).

Minor precaution. I also use the gloves when cleaning anything filthy. Got started with them when I got my C&R FFL . . . cosmoline, grease, oils, etc. make quite a mess.

bmcgilvray · August 5th, 2008, 07:56 PM

Been shooting, cleaning guns, and casting bullets since the early 1970s and only now have developed a small third ear on the back of my head. So far my hair covers it.

SIXTO · August 5th, 2008, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob99VMI04

I had to go to a week long conferrence on lead, OSHA, and Shooting ranges. Most of it was extremely boring. However, the issue of lead was discussed for almost 3 straight days.

Directly ingesting lead doesnt' really hurt you. (i.e. picking up an ingot or a miniball and swalling it.) the same way it came in is the same way its coming out. The dust from the range is what gets you, and not just from breathing it. In fact from what the instructor said the majority of the lead you get off of a range comes aborbing them through your ocular cavities. (i.e. your eyes) . In other words you wear eye protection not only to protect for other reasons but to keep from absorbing more lead.

Cleaning a gun, I would think the chemicals are more of an issue then the lead is.

Yup, you're right but a range is a whole 'nother ball game from cleaning your gun. Lead dust can "leach" in pores etc, and of course get inhaled. It does make me cringe when I see people drinking from an alum. can on the range.

retsupt99 · August 6th, 2008, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmcgilvray

Been shooting, cleaning guns, and casting bullets since the early 1970s and only now have developed a small third ear on the back of my head. So far my hair covers it.

I bet you have some funny looking ear protection.

************************************************** ******************

For the OP...learn to wash hands and change clothing after shooting...keep extra bullets out or your mouth (don't use them like nails).

Bark'n · August 6th, 2008, 02:20 AM

Just get some of those Kenoki Foot Pads and it'll suck the lead right out of you when you sleep!

In all seriousness... Just be sure to wash your hands after cleaning your guns and after shooting. Especially before eating.

I've literally had my hands covered in gray powder, fouling and lead residue after a day of shooting! Especially when shooting revolvers! Always hungry after a good day at the range too!

Makes a good case for having some "goop" or Hoo Ahhs (baby wipes) in your range bag.

dukalmighty · August 6th, 2008, 03:12 AM

There have been several people that have died from lead while cleaning guns usually they are the victims of the idiot that failed to follow the 4 basic gun rules and unload his firearm in a safe direction prior to cleaning it

QKShooter · August 6th, 2008, 03:23 AM

Ingested Lead is extremely bad for babies and developing children.

The danger has been somewhat exaggerated for adults.

Just don't ingest it.
Wash your hands before you eat or smoke.
Lead is not absorbed through the skin.

Sure the Romans had Lead plumbing and their fresh water was delivered through Lead pipes but, what really caused them health problems is that they sprinkled powered Lead on their food because it added a unique metallic sweetness.

Don't do that and take modest precautions and you should be fine.

August 6th, 2008, 02:20 AM	#18
Bark'n VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 2,627	Just get some of those Kenoki Foot Pads and it'll suck the lead right out of you when you sleep! In all seriousness... Just be sure to wash your hands after cleaning your guns and after shooting. Especially before eating. I've literally had my hands covered in gray powder, fouling and lead residue after a day of shooting! Especially when shooting revolvers! Always hungry after a good day at the range too! Makes a good case for having some "goop" or Hoo Ahhs (baby wipes) in your range bag. __________________ -Bark'n Semper Fi "The gun is the great equalizer... For it is the gun, that allows the meek to repel the monsters; Whom are bigger, stronger and without conscience, will prey on those of us who without one, would surely perish."

August 6th, 2008, 03:12 AM	#19
dukalmighty VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: texas Posts: 3,554	There have been several people that have died from lead while cleaning guns usually they are the victims of the idiot that failed to follow the 4 basic gun rules and unload his firearm in a safe direction prior to cleaning it __________________ I like Poetry,Long Walks On The Beach,And Poking Dead Things With A Stick

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August 5th, 2008, 05:29 PM	#11
tamworth Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 106	wow, that's very (dare I say it) eye opening! So, given my previous debate with my dad, if we're all shooting fmj ammo, where does the lead in the air in the range come from? Thank you all for very informative responses.

August 5th, 2008, 05:34 PM	#12
maxx366 Ex Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: tampa bay Posts: 38	chance of lead poisoning for the bg

August 5th, 2008, 07:13 PM	#14
LenS Distinguished Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: US Posts: 1,334	I now wear nitrile gloves (cheap at BJ's, Costco or Sam's Club) while cleaning guns. Hands don't stink after you're done and it keeps the chemicals from being absorbed thru the skin (or any break therein). Minor precaution. I also use the gloves when cleaning anything filthy. Got started with them when I got my C&R FFL . . . cosmoline, grease, oils, etc. make quite a mess.

August 5th, 2008, 07:56 PM	#15
bmcgilvray Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: North Texas Posts: 1,151	Been shooting, cleaning guns, and casting bullets since the early 1970s and only now have developed a small third ear on the back of my head. So far my hair covers it.

August 6th, 2008, 03:23 AM	#20
QKShooter Assistant Administrator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Off Of The X Posts: 19,997	Ingested Lead is extremely bad for babies and developing children. The danger has been somewhat exaggerated for adults. Just don't ingest it. Wash your hands before you eat or smoke. Lead is not absorbed through the skin. Sure the Romans had Lead plumbing and their fresh water was delivered through Lead pipes but, what really caused them health problems is that they sprinkled powered Lead on their food because it added a unique metallic sweetness. Don't do that and take modest precautions and you should be fine.