Pro Tip: How to Deal With Lead Exposure

By Dan Zimmerman

By Brandon via concealednation.org

Ingesting lead is a serious thing and can cause numerous problems for people with constant exposure. As you’re likely aware, you come into contact with lead during every trip to the range. You even come into contact with it each time you handle your firearm, especially if it hasn’t yet been cleaned after a visit to the range. The same goes for handling ammunition, and so on. Lead is present in most types of ammunition, including the primer and bullet. Each time you fire a round, lead is vaporized into the air and can be inhaled or ingested through the mouth. Furthermore, lead is sent down range and is then embedded in whatever surface the bullet encounters . . .

What are some symptoms caused by lead exposure?

• Neurological Effects
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Fatigue / Irritability
  • Impaired concentration
  • Hearing loss
  • Wrist / Foot drop
  • Seizures
  • Encephalopathy
• Gastrointestinal Effects
  • Nausea
  • Dyspepsia
  • Constipation
  • Colic
  • Lead line on gingival tissue
• Reproductive Effects
  • Miscarriages/Stillbirths
  • Reduced sperm count & motility
  • Abnormal sperm
• Heme Synthesis
  • Anemia
  • Erythrocyte protoporphyrin elevation
• Renal Effects
  • Chronic nephropathy with proximal tubular damage
  • Hypertension
• Other
  • Arthralgia
  • Myalgia

Ways to reduce exposure to lead:

• Use lead-free ammunition
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while at the range
• Wear gloves while shooting
• Have dedicated ‘range clothing’ to wear for each trip
• Always wash your hands after shooting
• Take a shower immediately after using the …read more

  Source:: Truth About Guns