Jim,
Any serious firearms enthusiast should know the basic makeup of most ammunition normally includes a lead containing primer and projectile and while this does not present an immediately serious hazard per se, anyone planning on handling ammunition and firearms should be mindful of the risk of prolonged exposure to lead components and both pre- and post-TEOTWAWKI, take precautions to protect themselves.
As an Army reservist for eight years (doing the occasional field exercise with blank ammunition and the annual range qualification), we would eat our IMP rations after loading hundreds of magazines without a second thought towards washing our hands. Likewise, after leaving the military and getting into competitive shooting and reloading, I would come home during my lunch hours, load 50 rounds of 9mm while I waited for my lunch to heat up, and de-prime brass while eating.
About a year ago, I started working part time at as a range safety officer (RSO) at a local indoor shooting range where mandatory blood lead level (BLL) tests were required annually. Much to my dismay, I discovered, my BLL was much higher than the community average to the point that I would almost have to quit my RSO job if I didn`t get it under control. It was then that I discovered that my lead hygiene was deplorable and I had to change my habits with regard to the primary source of lead in my life – i.e. guns and ammo. For your readers, here are some tips I have adopted which, after repeated testing, have helped lower my BLL to a safe level, despite shooting regularly and working at an indoor range:
1. Stock up and use lead removing soap. I use Esca D-lead soap
2. Get proper PPE. When sweeping up brass or moving forward of the firing line at the end of the day, I always make sure I wear a P100 dust mask. Likewise, when reloading, I wear rubber, disposable mechanics gloves whenever handling all components. I know a lot of IPSC shooters who shoot at my range wearing the same masks, but honestly, knowing the layout of the ventilation of my range (discussed below), I’m not too worried about it when I shoot personally.
3. Observe the ventilation of any range you shoot at. Indoor ranges are as a rule of thumb always worse than shooting outdoors for lead contamination – however at my range, there are massive air ventilation ducts blowing fresh air into the firing line, towards the backstop. Most often if I’m at the firing line I don’t wear a mask, however, if moving forward I always do.
4. Mind your ammo. The best ammo to shoot to reduce lead contamination is usually CMJ (complete metal jacket), TMJ (total metal jacket), or BEB (brass enclosed bottom), or CP (copper plated). FMJ (Full metal jacket) is ok, however be mindful of the fact that a lot of FMJ bullets have an exposed lead bottom bullet which generates some lead particulate when fired. I really do not recommend shooting lead ammunition unless outdoors or while wearing at least a N95 dust mask. I find it inconsiderate when people shoot high volume lead bullets (especially .22s) inside an indoor range, however, if that’s all your range allows so be it. Just be aware that cast lead bullets are the worst both to reload and for overall air quality when shooting in high volumes. They say most of the lead contamination you are exposed to comes from the primer, so one possible consideration would be to find non-toxic, lead free primers. Given the current ammunition shortage across North America, I’d say to you “good luck with that.”
5. Chelation. Anecdotally, I did some research online and found that there are natural chelating agents, such as vitamin C which help remove heavy metals (like lead) from the blood stream. For about a year, I tried taking 1000 mg of vitamin C, spaced out during the day while drinking at least 2 liters of water. I don`t know if it is medically verified that my practice actually worked, but my latest blood test came back normal, and vitamin C is an essential vitamin to keep on hand anyway.
Lastly, don’t get too bummed out over lead contamination. Yes, lead is a toxic substance, but no, you won’t die right away from having some exposure to it. Especially pre-TEOTWAWKI, the value of properly training with your weapons enormously outweighs the downside of some lead exposure. Post-TEOTWAWKI, probably one of the last things on your mind would be proper your lead hygiene – however, settling into a routine of handling guns and ammo, reloading, etc. it wouldn’t hurt to exercise at least a little due diligence and wash your hands and face with D-lead before you eat. I hope that helps, thank you and God bless. – J.L.