Lead Poisoning

I periodically have my blood tested for lead to see if my activities were causing any problems. Blood lead levels are reported in ug/dl which is micrograms per deciliter of blood. Over the years my blood lead level hovered around 10 ug/dl because of extensive shooting in indoor ranges, bullet casting and other hobbies. This was not a problem, the action limit set by OSHA is 40 ug/dl. The reason for the action limit at 40 ug/dl is symptoms of lead poisoning do not occur until the lead level is over 50 ug/dl. Severe problems start to occur over 60 ug/dl. These levels are for adults, the limits for children are lower because of the known effect on childhood development.

I recently had a lead level run at my annual physical exam and the level was 12 ug/dl. The physician called and reported I had lead poisoning. A toxicology specialist was called in who wanted to “evaluate my home for the source of the poison”. It turns out the Centers for Disease Control has issued new guidelines for the allowable lead level, 10 ug/dl is now the CDC maximum safe level for adults. This is not based on new findings of danger, only an autocratic decision.

My new doctor has different ideas “lead is a poison, there is NO safe level, the ideal level is ZERO”. This stupid, lead is common in the environment, many people have low levels of lead. His toxicologist colleague would find plenty of “poison” in my home. Several pounds of nasty cast bullets. A soldering set-up for electronic repair and a welding outfit. The toxicologist is not going to come anywhere near my house.

Lead does not penetrate the skin, it must be eaten or inhaled to enter the body. Lead in drinking water or food or inhalation of lead dust are the common routes. Bullet casting does not produce lead vapor, but dross contains lead and can produce airborne dust. Case cleaning concentrates lead, liquid or solid polishing media develop high lead levels. The residue on guns contains lead and can contaminate your hands when shooting or cleaning.

To determine possible sources, I purchased a 3M lead test kit. These are available at many hardware stores or on-line. The casting table is positive, no surprise. The area around the case cleaner was very positive as was the floor around the case cleaner. The electronic table was negative, only direct testing of solder spatter showed any reaction. The welding rig was negative. A test of the shooting bench at an indoor range was off the chart. Testing showed the solder used on our house plumbing was lead based solder. Houses built since 1986 should have used lead free solder, but we know how some contractors are!

Workers in lead smelters and car battery plants handle tons of lead every day. Common sense precautions prevent lead poisoning. No eating of smoking on the job, removal of work coveralls and washing after work. Masks are required in any area producing dust.

What can you do?
First, eliminate any other sources of lead. Your water supply should be checked, municipal supplies are tested regularly. Some well water has high lead, you need to check this, test kits are available. If you have an older home with copper plumbing lead-based solder is likely. Replacing your plumbing is very expensive. You can easily filter drinking and cooking water using a filter rated to remove heavy metals.

I now wear gloves when cleaning guns. I have moved the case cleaning operation to a shed and wear a mask and gloves when cleaning cases. Be especially careful at the range, wash your hands and face thoroughly after shooting. Do not wait until you get home, you may contaminate your car and pick up the lead residue later.
I am considering wearing a mask at indoor ranges.

If you want to have your blood tested for lead you might want to avoid your doctor or your health service. They may blindly follow the CDC recommendations and be alarmed by a harmless level. Instead go to a clinic or testing service who will report the results directly to you. Then you can make your own evaluation.

As you noted brass cleaning tends to produce quite a bit of lead. Most people don't think of this as a possible source of lead contamination. If a person gives it a brief moments thought it makes sense though. The lead from the bullet but also the primers. It also tends to accumulate in the cleaning media. When tumbling or separating brass from the media it also produces a lot of dust. It's just one of those things to be aware of.

Lead solder joints are only an issue if your water is acidic. Test your water for lead before you tear plumbing out.

Lead Free Brass is not Lead Free, it's just below .25%. Must drive the purists crazy.

I put a HEPA filter in the shop vac so I'm not breathing the sweepings.

I think I’d find a different doctor!

I get my blood tested annually. Last time it was a bit high, and I don't remember what it was, but not enough to alarm my doc.
Like the OP, I wear rubber gloves when cleaning guns, and CERTAINLY when separating media from tumbled cases. I use a Dillon squirrel cage and the dust is noticeable. The N95 mask takes care of that. THAT is probably the heaviest source of lead for you.
When casting, I have an exhaust fan going above and to the right of the casting pot. It has the capability to move enough CFM to satisfy me.
Wash your hands after being in the man cave, don't smoke while casting (I don't smoke anyway) and don't eat until AFTER YOU WASH YOUR HANDS!
Just be careful that's all.