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Lead issues cleaning the 226

997 views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  Tvphotog 
#1 ·
I've had high blood lead levels from the indoor range at my club and have been using Speer CleanFire rounds with a bullet that's completely copper-enclosed, and with a lead free primer.

As I understand, there is no lead in the powder. I'm assuming when I clean the gun, I should not be having any lead in the spray from cleaning brushes for example. Am I correct?
 
#3 ·
Residual lead from OTHER shooters is the likely culprit. According to the CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6316a3.htm, indoor ranges are a common source of lead poisoning. Makes senses when you think about it. When we fire a weapon, the brass casing is ejected with lead particles which end up in the air and on surfaces. A good ventilation system is critical to not injesting lead. I also take the precaution of washing my hands after I'm done shooting. I've also taken to wearing outerwear that I remove before entering my house and wash separately from the rest of the laundry. In fact, I rarely go to indoor ranges anymore, preferring outdoor ranges.
 
#6 ·
I agree with all of your suggestions about where the lead is coming from and it is certainly the range. But I live in New York City, which has only one range in all of Manhattan, and it's the indoor range at the club where I belong. The outdoor ranges are about an hour's drive away.

So I'm when shooting there, I'm using a 3M OSHA mask to filter lead, an Ammo Broom instead of a standard broom to police my brass, scrubbing my hands afterward with De-Lead soap, and I'm removing the clothing I've worn to the range and washing it separately as described above.

I know where the lead is coming from. My question was about cleaning the gun at home. With the ammo I use, I can't figure out how there would be any lead in the gun to expose myself to. In other words, am I safe not to wear the OSHA mask at home while cleaning the pistol?
 
#7 ·
Tv

Either use new brushes, or clean the old ones with mineral spirits. Then you should be OK.

My concern for you is this: How are your lungs from inhaling the lead fumes?

If breathing is a problem around caustic/aromatic hydrocarbons, then maybe go to something much less nasty like breakfree or ballistol.

I would think that Hoppes might cause a problem to already sensitive areas in your body.

But to the lead question you should be OK
 
#9 ·
I always use thin Rubber Gloves to clean all of my Firearms.
I've never thought about using a Mask.

Rubber Gloves like a Dr. uses is what I use. I don't allow oil or solvents to come in contact with my hands. I use sever pair when cleaning a Firearm. When I was younger I never thought about it.
I know this may sound Stupid but,
Take several pairs of Gloves to the Range or when ever you load any Ammo.
It's not perfect but it may help others who have Too much Lead in their system.
Good Luck.
 
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