Lead Level in Blood

[MNGunner]

Anyone aware if airborne lead levels at ranges are monitored? I would assume that osha regulates the levels given that the people that work inside are employees?

I have heard that one should reload in a well ventilated shed instead of inside any space that is serviced by the same HVAC system as the rest of the house.

[XDM45]

Anyone aware if airborne lead levels at ranges are monitored? I would assume that osha regulates the levels given that the people that work inside are employees?

I have heard that one should reload in a well ventilated shed instead of inside any space that is serviced by the same HVAC system as the rest of the house.

I could be wrong on this, but I believe that is what the measure - air quality / lead content - because most lead exposure comes from the primers when firing.

As for reloading, yes, you want to make sure you have good airflow and not in a room that is serviced by the same HVAC, thus a garage or shed.

[MNGunner]

I could be wrong on this, but I believe that is what the measure - air quality / lead content - because most lead exposure comes from the primers when firing.

As for reloading, yes, you want to make sure you have good airflow and not in a room that is serviced by the same HVAC, thus a garage or shed.

I wonder what the osha level for airborne lead is. If they have one, I would ASSUME that it would be fairly low. It would be interesting to find out if and how often they verify that indoor ranges comply and if most ranges are in compliance. It could be that actual verification would happen only in a case of a employee complaint?

[xd ED]

I had my lead level checked, basically to see how I am with hygiene. I'm under 3.3. I'm guessing the doc's machine won't read lower than that.

I'm not sure on the area of the lane range. If I had to guess, maybe 936ish sq. ft. 4 lanes wide x 26 yds.

Not to get overly analytical about it, but given those dimensions, and assuming perfect 'plug' flow (the air flows as a uniform manner-which it won't do) from shooter to target, the shooter would have a 13 mph wind at his back to accomplish a 4 second air exchange in that 26 yard range. In reality, you' might have a 20 mph breeze at your back at the shooting station to move that much air.

[xd ED]

Anyone aware if airborne lead levels at ranges are monitored? I would assume that osha regulates the levels given that the people that work inside are employees?

I have heard that one should reload in a well ventilated shed instead of inside any space that is serviced by the same HVAC system as the rest of the house.

I could be wrong on this, but I believe that is what the measure - air quality / lead content - because most lead exposure comes from the primers when firing.

As for reloading, yes, you want to make sure you have good airflow and not in a room that is serviced by the same HVAC, thus a garage or shed.

Why? What is the source of airborne lead in a hobbyist's reloading room?

[photogpat]

OSHA's Lead Standard...

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp ... p_id=10030

[MNGunner]

Why? What is the source of airborne lead in a hobbyist's reloading room?

You don't punch out the spent primers?

I would ASSUME that pressing on a cast lead bullet could also release lead dust? And obviously any work before that to manufacture said bullet, if applicable.

[t140]

I will check with Larry, since a lot of you are showing interest.

I don't think lead levels are measured by ranges. Only the airflow output of the filters to make sure they're not clogged.

I also think the main exposure for lead during reloading is tumbling. It's one of the big reasons I haven't started.

[xd ED]

I will check with Larry, since a lot of you are showing interest.

I don't think lead levels are measured by ranges. Only the airflow output of the filters to make sure they're not clogged.

I also think the main exposure for lead during reloading is tumbling. It's one of the big reasons I haven't started.

Yep, tumbling dust exposure is my understanding as well. I won't run one inside. If that's an inhibiting issue for you, consider setting up the tumbler outside, or do wet tumbling.

If one were dumb enough to cast bullets inside without proper precautions there would be a strong likelihood of lead exposure.

Lots of hazardous materials exist in houses, and common environments. Most older houses have as original equipment things like asbestos, lead, mercury, etc. How those materials are managed defines the level of hazard they present.

[Le Pistolero]

Has your wife or another family member been tested as a control to your results?

Read up on detox. The steam bath or sauna is a simple way to get rid of lead and also has many other health benefits.

Install one in your home and add ten good years to your life if you use it most days.

And shoot outdoors.....God never intended for us to shoot indoors.

[yukonjasper]

I had a guy in my high school small engines class who volunteered to demonstrate the resistence of the human body when the teacher was demonstrating how a multi meter worked. His conductivity was 3 or 4 times what is should have been. He was sent to the Nurse and subsequently tested for heavy metals. He was loaded with lead, mercury etc. His family was not well off and they ate a ton of fish they caught themselves year round (4-5 meals a week) and they happened to live close to and fished almost daily some flooded iron ore pits and small lakes that get run off from the mining operations on the Range. The fish consumption was what they pinpointed, along with their well water which needed more frequent filter changes than they could afford.

Glad you got it under control. Wonder if heavy metal testing is a part of a standard physical work up.

[XDM45]

I had a guy in my high school small engines class who volunteered to demonstrate the resistence of the human body when the teacher was demonstrating how a multi meter worked. His conductivity was 3 or 4 times what is should have been. He was sent to the Nurse and subsequently tested for heavy metals. He was loaded with lead, mercury etc. His family was not well off and they ate a ton of fish they caught themselves year round (4-5 meals a week) and they happened to live close to and fished almost daily some flooded iron ore pits and small lakes that get run off from the mining operations on the Range. The fish consumption was what they pinpointed, along with their well water which needed more frequent filter changes than they could afford.

Glad you got it under control. Wonder if heavy metal testing is a part of a standard physical work up.

I test myself for Heavy Metal daily.

Let's see.... Iron Maiden CD...check......... Judas Priest....check..... Tyrant's Reign......check.............

Seriously, yeah it's good to keep it low. I advise EVERYONE to get their BLL checked yearly.

[Larry.Y]

I am Larry Yatch founder and CEO of Sealed Mindset.

Our HVAC system was custom designed from the ground up to meet and exceed any current standards.

We have a recirculating system in which all range air is passed through three filters (only one is required).

We have a 2" pre-filter, a 6" mid-filter, and a medical grade HEPA filter. Once the air goes through this filter bank it is cleaner than what you breath on the street.

The air is then blown through a plenum wall, rather than vents with create dead air spaces, which ensures stable air movement throughout the entire range.

We move 14400 cfm (cubic feet per minute). Which means that we completely change the entire air volume of our range every 1.06 minutes.

Our system is completely computer controlled with over 10 separate aspects that are continuously monitored.

This web-based system is one of a kind for shooting ranges, and allows me to monitor and control it from anywhere on my phone.

You will not find a cleaner indoor range.

Feel free to stop by anytime and check it out for yourself.

[MNGunner]

Has your wife or another family member been tested as a control to your results?

A good idea.

Read up on detox. The steam bath or sauna is a simple way to get rid of lead and also has many other health benefits.

I would like to see a medical study that confirms that.
All that's needed for kids from da hood who have been eating paints chips is some sauna time?

[MNGunner]

I had a guy in my high school small engines class who volunteered to demonstrate the resistence of the human body when the teacher was demonstrating how a multi meter worked. His conductivity was 3 or 4 times what is should have been. He was sent to the Nurse and subsequently tested for heavy metals. He was loaded with lead, mercury etc. His family was not well off and they ate a ton of fish they caught themselves year round (4-5 meals a week) and they happened to live close to and fished almost daily some flooded iron ore pits and small lakes that get run off from the mining operations on the Range. The fish consumption was what they pinpointed, along with their well water which needed more frequent filter changes than they could afford.

Glad you got it under control. Wonder if heavy metal testing is a part of a standard physical work up.

Reads like an urban legend if I have ever heard one, when it comes to the multimeter part. If it was that easy, one would think that doctors would be all over such an easy diagnostic technique.