Foxbat Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 It is strongly recommended for anyone coming in contact with lead. My latest number is 15, which sent my doc into a frenzy. Even though that number still falls within "Normal" range, I will be looking into improving some of my practices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glynnm45 Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 How do you receive most of your exposure; casting bullets, reloading, shooting at a indoor range, ect.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
want2race Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Just got my results back last week. 13. Still below OSHA standard (40 uh oh, 50 you get the $1500 meds). My blood was drawn the day after an all day indoor match. I'm sure that didn't help. I reload with gloves on. Doc wants to see it below 10. Normal for my area is 3. Normal for the human body is 0. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMC Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Be ready for a visit from a local CDC rep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Keen Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I've been tested at 29, 21, and most recently 13, and I never got a visit from a CDC rep, or even a concerned look from my doctor. Many doctors just aren't as educated about the hazards of blood lead levels as they should be. It is something you should check at least once a year, preferably twice a year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfchorn Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Asked my doc to test my lead levels as part of a routine physical a couple of months ago. Got a skeptical look and the obvious "why?" Explained I am a competitive pistol shooter and reload my own ammunition. After that explanation, she had no problems ordering the test. (I am retired military, and this was at a military treatment facility). Whew! Came back at 4. I wash my hands after shooting, and reload jhp as my preferred bullet. I do smoke at the range, which is probably why it is at 4. Yeah, I know. I'm trying to quit. And not because of the potential for lead inhalation.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
03k64 Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I have mine tested every year. First time it came back at 25 and I got a call from the department of health. I've stopped shooting indoors and take some extra precautions when reloading and while at the range and it's been below 10 since. One of my shooting buddies that worked at the indoor range tested at 75 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Keen Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Like I said earlier, I've never gotten a call from the Health Dept., but when they do call, I think what they're worried about is whether or not elevated lead levels are a result of "workplace exposure". In our case, where most of us are exposed through a recreational hobby, I believe they aren't quite as concerned. Probably just give you some recommendations on how to lower your levels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxbat Posted November 9, 2011 Author Share Posted November 9, 2011 It is well known that the heavy metals in some primer compounds are easily the worst contributor - the organic lead compounds. I do 100% of my practice indoors, and I am guilty of sometimes not turning ON the exhaust fan - during cold months. Need to change that practice. On primers - I bought once the no-lead primers, and they sucked. Does anyone know if modern primers like Winchester or CCI still contain lead compounds, or they switched to clean stuff? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Gonsalves Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I had mine tested earlier this year, came back 22. Doctor is a shooter too (shotgun sports), we talked about it the different types of shooting I do. Besides USPSA, IDPA and ICORE, I shoot Bullseye indoors. He felt one of the biggest contributing factor may be shooting .22's indoors. Soft lead, poor ventilation, etc. So, I took 6 months off from Bullseye and have been more careful in my reloading process, mainly handling dirty brass. He's going re-test soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Keen Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 ALWAYS wash your hands after shooting, reloading, or handling dirty brass. And of course before you eat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerflyer48 Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 My Dad had some high levels they found during his ICC physical.. we used to shoot 3 nights a week indoors .22 Bullseye and 100 rounds or so PPC matches on Sundays also indoors ( winters in Mass.) so we cut way back to 2 nights .22 Bullseye league Doc put him on a diet they put kids who ingest lead paint on,.. numbers dropped like a rock.. it was quite a few years ago early 90's I don't remember what it was but want to say I remember him eating lots of cauliflower or something like that.. Also remember a local bullet caster saying he was on a diet to help with his lead exposure.... Solved my lead exposure by taking a few years off ( work interferes but beats holding a cardboard sign) John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digby7 Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 got measured last december - 25. started using d-lead soap after i shoot d-lead wipes in between stages immediate shower + clothes go into the wash when I get back from the range. will be interesting to see what its at now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkeeler Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I work at an indoor range part time....# 1 thing to do is wash your hands and use d wipes. At our range all stalls and target controls and light switches in the booths and door handles entering the range get wiped down every night with d-wipes. The majority of lead is not in-hailed it is in-jested from not washing your hands before eating/smoking etc... We checked for lead content on our ventilation system vents and 0 lead was found on the vents that blow back into the range which are located behind the booths. Most of the lead was found to be on the booth controls and tables and door handles going into the range...... also when cleaning your guns wear gloves you will find high levels of lead in the gunk you clean from your mags and guns! I shoot JHP bullets which also reduces lead exposure not only when loading but cleaning the gun and mags. BK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junkie Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I get mine check yearly and I am fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Sweeney Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 This is an evergreen topic, you'll find lots of threads on it. Me, I get tested annually, and my numbers have never been higher than 8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaiserb Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 I've been tested at 29, 21, and most recently 13, and I never got a visit from a CDC rep, or even a concerned look from my doctor. Many doctors just aren't as educated about the hazards of blood lead levels as they should be. It is something you should check at least once a year, preferably twice a year. My number was 13 last year when it was tested, my Doc had looked up the pediatric level which is 10 pp Um and called and told me my level was high. After he found the adult level was 20 pp Um he called and said "disregard the earlier call" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwoShot Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Just got my blood lead level tested. Level came back (6.6). My doctors nurse said normal was (0-4.9). I'm being refereed to a blood specialist. I agree, there is a lot of different thinking out there by doctors on what level is acceptable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98sr20ve Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Lead is most dangerous to those with developing brains. I am going to assume that is NOT most people in this thread. Unless we have some pre-teens and teenagers posting. My doctor saw my 17 and wasn't the least bit concerned. I have made some changes and hope it will go down. But no need for a Blood Specialist unless the guy has a Porsche Payment he is a little worried about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digby7 Posted November 28, 2011 Share Posted November 28, 2011 got measured last december - 25. started using d-lead soap after i shoot d-lead wipes in between stages immediate shower + clothes go into the wash when I get back from the range. will be interesting to see what its at now. wanted to give a update to this since I just got my lead levels tested - heres what I've been doing over the last year to combat lead: - at a match - d-lead wipe after i load mags, shoot a stage or handle anything in general thats got lead on it - i tend to eat throughout the match so keeping my hands clean constantly helps - after shooting - clothes go immediately in the hamper or wash, shower immediately as well - shoes - range shoes stay in the car in the trunk so I don't track lead and other stuff back into the house - indoor shooting - dramatically cut down - most of my shooting is now done at matches and outside - when I do shoot indoors - I will usually wear one of these: http://www.amazon.com/MSA-Safety-Works-817664-Respirator/dp/B0009XW3ZS unless i'm shooting with friends. Lead level was at 25 last december a full year ago. Now after all the stuff listed above my lead level measures in at 8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inkman Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 Had mine checked a few months ago since i was at the doc for a knee injury anyway. Came back high teens (i forget exactly). He told me i'd get a call from CDC and they'd want to inspect my home. I simply told him there was no chance that was gonna happen. They'd need a court order before i let them in my house. Long story short, all i received was a letter on lead exposure and how to keep lead levels low, blah blah blah... I now do a better job of cleaning up after loading, tumbling and casting. Numbers are likely much lower now. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwoShot Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 Just got my blood lead level tested. Level came back (6.6). My doctors nurse said normal was (0-4.9). I'm being refereed to a blood specialist. I agree, there is a lot of different thinking out there by doctors on what level is acceptable. I had my appointment with a Hematologist. He wasn't real excited about the level shown by my test. He is not a reloader but in discussing the issue with him I am changing some things. 1) moving the brass cleaner and media separator out of the basement/house. While the level isn't critical for an adult, I have 2 small grandsons and a third on the way. 2) Improve my sanitation habits, i.e. hand washing, no food or drink in the room etc. 3) Use of gloves when handling lead bullets or steel targets. 4. Recheck in 3 months Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
assaulter Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 I had a discussion with my sons Pediatrician about my reloading and possible exposure to lead. He asked if I let him suck and chew on raw lead bullets. When I answered in the negative he said not to worry about it then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inkman Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 I had a discussion with my sons Pediatrician about my reloading and possible exposure to lead. He asked if I let him suck and chew on raw lead bullets. When I answered in the negative he said not to worry about it then. I like that doc!! The one that called me about my levels is a sports medicine doctor. By his description, you'd have thought i was drinking uranium while loading. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TacticalReload Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 I had a discussion with my sons Pediatrician about my reloading and possible exposure to lead. He asked if I let him suck and chew on raw lead bullets. When I answered in the negative he said not to worry about it then. Hmmm... this thread has me all freaked out now. We are expecting our first child in February. While I'm not sloppy with lead, I have done things like cleaning pistols or filling ammo boxes in the house. I'm wondering if I should lay off the shooting / reloading for a while? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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