Lead Poisioning -One Of The Risk In gun Shooting

[rajitkg12]

Hi All,

Is it true constant shooting leads to lead poisoning , causing different health issues?? What is your experience?? Is any one noticed health issues relating to lead and smoke exposure.I have read some comments of people say people got cancer working long time in firearm/shooting related jobs.
Initial period of my shooting day I had a habit of keeping air rifle pellet in my mouth as it felt very quick and easy to load I don't know how much lead I might have swallowed.

[timmy]

Hi All,

Is it true constant shooting leads to lead poisoning , causing different health issues?? What is your experience?? Is any one noticed health issues relating to lead and smoke exposure.I have read some comments of people say people got cancer working long time in firearm/shooting related jobs.

It is true, constant shooting can lead to lead poisoning, if proper precautions are not taken. I have shot and also cast bullets for years with no ill effects, as shown by having regular blood tests taken every six months.

Initial period of my shooting day I had a habit of keeping air rifle pellet in my mouth as it felt very quick and easy to load I don't know how much lead I might have swallowed.

Your recent consideration that putting pellets in your mouth is a bad move, is correct. This has exposed you to lead and you should stop. Out at the range, I do a lot of scrounging empty cases (primarily 9mm, but 45 Auto is always the #1 prize!) and used to "mine" the backstop with a trowel and bucket for lead. It is very important, when doing such things, to not eat, rub one's eyes, or put one's hands near the mouth or nose without thoroughly washing hands first.

Of course, hand washing or wearing protective gloves also holds true when one is cleaning guns after shooting, or handling bullets in the course of reloading (although this isn't encountered often on these forums).

Indoor ranges can have lead issues if they are not vented correctly. There are standards for filtration and air quality that must be followed by indoor ranges for them to have a safe shooting environment.

For myself, I seldom shoot inside,not because it is dangerous (the local indoor range is properly ventilated) but because the membership to that facility is too expensive for me. So, all my shooting is outside. As this is a windy area, the risk of lead poisoning is very minimal. and my health checks prove this.

I don't think that shooting is dangerous at all provided that common sense precautions are taken. We shooters are used to this, as we incorporate safety in how we handle the firearm and by wearing eye and ear protection. We know the dangers and take reasonable measures to safely enjoy our sport.