I tend to agree with you for adults, but the effects on kids and fetuses is really kinda scary. I don't really worry too much about myself, but just want to make sure I'm not jeopordizing my future offspring.Originally Posted by MI-1911
I tend to agree with you for adults, but the effects on kids and fetuses is really kinda scary. I don't really worry too much about myself, but just want to make sure I'm not jeopordizing my future offspring.Originally Posted by MI-1911
Like they say it cannot happen to me!
You invest in firearms and ammunition; why not think about your own Health for your family's well being.
Some of us have been in the shooting environment since the late 1940's, we know.
Think you are safe in 2013?
You will learn through Life's experience.
Gun safety and Health knowledge go hand in hand.
Gun range under fire over lead in blood of workers
February 13, 2013 at 9:31 PM LINK
The Mayo Clinic defines lead poisoning
The Mayo Clinic defines lead poisoning as having a blood lead levels (BLLs) greater than or equal to 10 µg/dL, yet the vast majority of cases remain undiagnosed and untreated because low BLLs are not typically associated with overt symptoms. However, a BLL as low as 10 µg/dL can adversely affect intelligence, learning, behavior, and development. Symptoms of lead poisoning include:
•Anemia
•Decreased muscle and bone growth
•Hearing damage
•Learning disabilities
•Nervous system and kidney damage
•Muscle weakness
•Speech, language and behavior problems
•Brain damage
At extremely high levels (45 µg/dL or higher), lead poisoning can cause seizures, coma, and even death in children. Although a simple blood test can prevent permanent damage, nearly 250, 000 children in the United States are estimated to have elevated BLLs.
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So far this seems to be the only symptom I've suffered. I can't seem to resist the temptation of buying more guns, and ammo, in spite of insane price increases!Originally Posted by zcolt45
Ran across this last week.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-0...ap-scores.html
With young children planned or around I see no problem with being a bit paranoid. I've seen various advice around but most seem to say don't eat, drink or smoke while at the range or before washing up. Use products like D-Wipe by Escatech to wash hands. They make soap and laundry detergent as well if you want to take it that far.
Dedicated range clothes aren't a bad idea, especially if you shoot a lot. Keep a separate pair of shoes and take them off before getting in the car or walking into the house.
I had my lead checked at my last physical when they drew blood.
It was not covered under my insurance, it cost me $5.50
I shoot a decent amount and it came back very low.
Wash your hands with COLD water. Hot water opens up your pores.
The Constitution is NOT dead. It's just being held captive.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in my posts are my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, or official policies of Michigan Gun Owners.
The big difference between shooting and other lead related activities, is than while shooting lead is volatilized (turned into a gas or aerosol) and can be inhaled. Lead is a suspected carcinogen.
This is from a MSDS for lead
Section 7: Handling and Storage
Precautions:
Keep locked up.. Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of ignition. Empty containers pose a fire risk, evaporate
the residue under a fume hood. Ground all equipment containing material. Do not ingest. Do not breathe dust. Wear suitable protective clothing. If ingested, seek medical advice immediately and show the container or the label.
Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Engineering Controls:
Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended exposure limits. If user operations generate dust, fume or mist, use ventilation to keep exposure to airborne contaminants below the exposure limit.
Personal Protection: Safety glasses. Lab coat. Dust respirator. Be sure to use an approved/certified respirator or equivalent. Gloves.
OSHA usually uses a timed average for exposure, meaning they average results over 8 hours. So the range can be over the limit for a few hours during a busy period as long as the 8 hour average is below limits. Also, lead builds up in your system, so exposure is additive. lead causes many problems.... beware.
The one friend that had levels so high it required transfusions... he was at 40 when his blood was first tested.... He was the safety officer at a weekly indoor IDPA match.
In that role he would walk down range right after the shooter was done to score targets. That put him right where the vaporized lead was. He was having dizzy spells and terrible head aches. He lost a couple months of work too.
I was at 15.. I had to stay off the indoor ranges and take some meds that help flush the system. In 6 months I was okay.
I personally believe all indoor shooting (even in a modern range), the handling and cleaning of brass cases, the tumbling process, and handling lead when reloading are the biggest risk activities for shooters.
Last thought... many indoor ranges sweep up the brass either after every shooter or from time to time. That just fills the air with particles. Sweeping should be done when the range is empty and by someone wearing a mask. (not just one for painting-- one rated for lead)
It pays to be safe.
lead bullets have very little to do with lead blood levels but the primers are the big thing!!! Clint
Just to follow up on this, I did go get my levels tested and they came back elevated (14.9). Ugh.
I'm having the wife get her's tested to see if it could be from something else enviromental (lead pipes being a possibility) since she doesn't shoot and therefore makes a good control sample. Probably have to stick to outdoor ranges from now on.