Where is the lead exposure coming from most likely?

[zb338]

I handle lead bullets all the time. I shoot a lot indoors and out. I was an electronic
tech and used to handle solder all day long ....................................what were we
talking about?
Z

 

[cdk8]

TMJs may reduce lead exposure, but I don't think the risk of FMJs are all that high.

If the source of lead is not from something non-shooting related, my theory is that you could reduce the numbers by using a cleaner designed specifically to remove heavy metals, at least with the hands and face (and if that isn't enough perhaps also when showering or washing clothes.) Standard soap is not nearly as effective as a cleaner designed specifically to remove heavy metals. I really like D-Lead Abrasive soap, because of how gunked up hands get while shooting, and how all of that other gunk can make removing the lead more difficult. Comparing it against normal soap using a spot swab test, I found a huge difference in its ability to remove lead residue.

https://www.amazon.com/Hygenall-LeadOff-Wipes-Canister-Count/dp/B001SJ0JIU
https://www.amazon.com/D-Lead-Abrasive-Hand-Soap-16oz/dp/B009PA6WP8
https://www.amazon.com/3M-051141936...UTF8&qid=1484533842&sr=8-8&keywords=lead+test



https://www.esca-tech.com/pdf/Controlling_Blood_Lead_Levels_-_EN.pdf

Typical industrial skin cleaners remove between 30 and 70% of lead from the skin. This is why specialty cleaners have been developed for lead that removes 98+ % of the lead on the skin.

A thorough shower is essential to achieving reduced blood lead levels and they have the largest benefit for those people who actually use an effective skin cleaner in the shower room and wash their entire body. It is not only dust from the plant that needs to be washed off at the end of the day, but also the lead that is in their sweat. Just getting wet under the shower doesn’t work. A thorough cleaning of the skin and hair in the shower at the end of the shift eliminates 16 hours of lead exposure every work day and eliminates lead exposure over the weekend.

(That last part probably does not apply here but if other methods don't produce results, trying a lead remover when showering might be worth considering?)

 

[22-rimfire]

My guess is that you have more than one lead exposure source. Water would be my first concern. Are you exposed to metals at work? What kinds of industry is in your immediate area? Doctors have a way of not mentioning large industry sources. I know in Oak Ridge that is the case. You can't get a local doctor (or very hard to) to testify against the US Govt.

 

[wally]

You may have old accumulations if you did lots of automobile mechanical work as a youth, and washed up with gasoline (the old fully leaded stuff).

The "anti-knock" tetra-ethyl lead that used to be in gasoline is a form that is readily absorbed through the skin.

 

[susieqz]

when i use bulk 22lr, my guns are filthy n so are my hands.
i've been assuming that it's just dirt so i take no special precautions.
is this stuff lead?
do i need to be careful?
i shoot outside but i shoot lots.
i need no extra health problems, so please lemme know.

 

[JohnKSa]

is this stuff lead?

It contains lead compounds. You should treat it as lead. 1. No eating/drinking/smoking while shooting or cleaning guns. 2. Wash up immediately after shooting/cleaning guns. 3. Wear gloves while cleaning and be sure that the area where you clean is not contaminated by covering any areas where solvent might be splattered.

 

[Sarge7402]

First there has been quite a change in what is considered a lead level threat. Back when I was tested back in the early 90's I think my level was 25. Now that's over 20 years ago, I shoot almost every week, reload and have absolutely no problems physically or medically. Think maybe - unless you have children under 6 yoa that you pour a glass of your favorite spirit and relax

 

[susieqz]

thanks for the info, john.
i'll comply.

 

[azrocks]

I don't know the answer to where the lead is most likely coming from, but you're protecting yourself from more than just lead by wearing gloves while cleaning firearms. It's good protection against the solvents alone, many of which are carcinogenic.

 

[PaFrank]

whether you shoot inside or outside, especially if there are other shooters on the line, your primary exposure to lead is the lead styphnate in the primer compounds. If you are ever in an indoor range, and there is a sweet taste in the air....BOOGIE BABY! thats lead! I sometimes notice it at my club outdoors on calm days when the line is full, and when I do, I bail.

 

[Dog Soldier]

If you smoke or drink beverages during casting bullets you increase your exposure. Make sure you wash your hand before handling food.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

I tested at 15 micrograms/Deciliter when I got tested about 6 months ago.

I stopped shooting as much, ate lots of vitamin C, stayed hydrated, and washed up better after shooting.
I even changed my clothes as soon as I got home from shooting and took a shower.

I tested at 8mgs/DL after about 2 months of careful regimen.

I think for me it was mostly hygiene. Not the 'take a shower and wash behind you ears' kind, but the discipline side of washing up enough and when I should have.

I will see if I can find that thread.

ETA: I found that thread: https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/instructors-how-to-keep-lead-levels-in-check.809310/

 

[John G C 1]

Thanks. I am still reading and appreciating the input.

 

[svtruth]

Very interesting discussion.
If you just want to get blood levels down, do everything. If you want to find source, do one thing at a time and keep getting tested. Might also be interesting to test water, and other members of the household.
Good luck