copyright William Marion 2008
Black Powder Revolver
The Online Magazine and Resource for Black Powder Revolvers
Pb
The simple answer is it can be. There has been a great deal of press on the dangers of lead and lead poisoning. What is the real risk to those of us that enjoy a sport in which we routinely handle lead? Not being an expert in the area, I consulted a number of sources (listed later) to try to determine the hazard. First the facts. Lead with its low melting point was one of the first metals smelted and used by man. Everyone has heard the stories of ancient Rome and the use of lead plumbing, lead dishware and unhealthy habits such as drinking wine laced with lead. Lead exists in two forms; elemental lead (the hard solid metal) and tetraethyl lead (liquid added to leaded gasoline). Both forms are health hazards but in different ways. Tetraethyl lead as a gasoline additive improved combustion, but released lead in to the environment in the process. Another concern was that Tetraethyl lead could be absorbed through the skin. Today virtually all gasoline is unleaded in that it uses other additives to improve combustion. Elemental lead is what round balls and bullets are cast from and is our major concern. According to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, there are a number of concerns for industrial producers of lead. This would include smelting, casting, machining or welding along with the removal of lead paint. With elemental lead whether in paint or metal
form, the major concern is ingestion or inhalation. Everyone remembers the stories of children eating lead paint and ending up with lead poisoning. Paint aside, our major concern then becomes the risk of handling elemental lead. As you’ve probably noticed, lead tends to stay in a nice solid form and aside from oxidation, doesn’t exfoliate (that’s flak) like aluminum or rust like iron. So then we need to look at how we shooters might ingest or inhale lead. The most likely way would be through ingestion of lead on our hands or food. Grabbing a sandwich without washing your hands after a day of shooting may not be the best idea. The California Department of Health Services produces a guide on lead hazards at indoor ranges. In this guide, they cite the case of one range worker who ended up with severe lead poisoning. Also mention was the hazard from lead dust from sweeping and from the smoke and residue from shooting.
So now that I’ve scared everyone including myself, let’s get back to reality. Do we need to be concerned about lead? Yes. Do we need to wear full body protective gear? No. Some simple everyday hygiene is all that is needed. Wash your hands after handling lead and before eating. Don’t leave food or drink around in areas that may be subject to lead dust. Don’t put your round balls or bullets in your mouth or let your
March 2006 Edition
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