Lead is Toxic - So What?

Pb is the universal scientific symbol for lead; however, to hunters and shooters, it might also symbolize controversy. This is because whenever the lead subject comes up, talks about banning something are not far behind. Because the bans invariably render equipment and techniques we've used for years obsolete, we tend to get our hackles up. However, we need to recognize that lead can be hazardous and, when discussing it, leave our emotions at the door and be guided by logic and science. Unfortunately, it often takes years of research to come to a definitive scientific answer on a subject, and exactly how hazardous lead is in typical sporting applications is in that category. In other words, we know lead is toxic, but the discussion about whether it can be managed and how to manage it is ongoing. Some things, like the debate about lead in shotshells, have pretty much concluded, and we've settled on using non-lead shots in many applications. 

Another settled issue is the hazard created by airborne lead. Everybody should know by now that airborne lead has significant toxic potential, and we need to be careful around the stuff. How careful is related directly to how much shooting a person does. I personally know two people who have suffered serious lead poisoning because of their exposure to airborne lead originating from shooting-related activities. The cause has always been indoor ranges with poor ventilation, high-volume shooting, and handgun ammunition with primers containing lead. 

In case you didn't know, the formula used in most modern primers contains lead in the form of Lead Styphnate. Because of this, lead is dispersed into the atmosphere when a shot is fired, even if there is no lead in the bullet. There's a lot of research going on to create new primer formulations that don't contain heavy metals, with some already available to consumers, particularly in the form of handgun training ammo. I'm sure the day will come when all primers are heavy-metal-free, but so far, primers containing lead are still the standard. 

Lead styphnate is a common component of modern primers. 

In the meantime, dealing safely with lead is relatively easy. First, limit exposure to lead by using only lead-free ammo in indoor ranges and completely avoid those facilities with bad ventilation. Also, other potentially hazardous activities, such as casting bullets, should be performed only in well-ventilated areas. Of course, shooting precision rifles is done almost exclusively outdoors, and therefore, the potential to inhale airborne lead is significantly reduced. 

Second, always practice good hygiene by showering or washing after lead exposure. Always wear protective equipment when appropriate, especially a good respirator if shooting lead-based ammo in an indoor range. By the way, respirators are refreshingly cheap, as a HEPA-rated one is typically less than $40. 

Third, during your annual medical, ask your doctor to check your blood for lead. It's just another box for him to check on the form, and the lab will do the test while they're testing for all that other stuff you shouldn't have too much of—like cholesterol. These test results will tell you how you are doing in managing lead contamination.

In addition to eye and ear protection, kids need to be made aware of the potential hazards of lead.

And don't forget the kids in your life. There is no significant lead hazard involved in the small amount of shooting most children do, but if you have a son or daughter who puts in a lot of trigger time or is otherwise exposed to potential lead contamination, educate them on the hazards.

Of special concern to me are the little tykes I see around shooting ranges who make a game of collecting empty cartridge cases. That's harmless fun, except those cartridge cases can be heavily contaminated with lead, and little fingers will eventually end up in little mouths and then we have lead ingestion, which isn't good. Something as simple as the pre-moistened hand wipes you can buy at any grocery store will help clean hands and remove the hazard. An even better solution is to use wipes specifically made to remove heavy metals. A brand I've used regularly is Hygenall®, and it works well. 

Commercial products like Hygenall® are specifically formulated to remove lead. 

There's no need to get paranoid: Dealing with lead is easy—it just requires awareness and a willingness to address it. Yes, lead is toxic, and we must be careful about inhaling and ingesting it. We must also extend that protection to those in our care. We all realize a hazard exists, but there's no need to ban everything containing it. It takes just a little knowledge and a few practical steps to manage it safely.

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SELECTED WORKS FROM AL VOTH

• Common Shooting Myths

• Rimfire Season

• Optics: Parallax and Optical Center

• Optics: Understanding the Optical Triangle

• The Ethical Shot

• Avoid Common Gun Mistakes

• Hunting Drills for Success

• Pursuing Precision

• Rimfire Season

• Airgunning With MDT

• Picatinny Rails Vs. Weaver Rails

• How to Keep Records on Your Firearms

• Four Common Shooting Mistakes Hunters Make

• Winning and Losing

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Al Voth calls himself a "student of the gun." Retired from a 35-year career in law enforcement, including nine years on an Emergency Response Team, he now works as an editor, freelance writer, and photographer, in addition to keeping active as a consultant in the field he most recently left behind—forensic firearm examination. He is a court-qualified expert in that forensic discipline, having worked in that capacity in three countries. These days, when he's not working, you'll likely find him hunting varmints and predators (the 4-legged variety).