gonoles_1980
Member
I always put on a pair of the cheap rubber gloves before I start seating my lead bullets. Kinda of a pain to do it, is this overkill?
Rubber gloves and lead bullet seating...
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rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Yes.
Lead is not absorbed through the skin.
If you don't lick you fingers or suck your thumb while reloading??
Just wash your hands when you get done.
rc
Lead is not absorbed through the skin.
If you don't lick you fingers or suck your thumb while reloading??
Just wash your hands when you get done.
rc
Arkansas Paul
Member
I wouldn't mind a pair of cheap latex gloves when lubing, but that's just a convenience thing to keep lube off my hands. Has nothing to do with the lead.
You should wash your hands when you finish loading anyway, whether you're using lead or not.
You should wash your hands when you finish loading anyway, whether you're using lead or not.
Schwing
Member
I don't think I have ever disagreed with RC on anything... Until now.
I have had high lead in the past and have done a fair amount of research on this one.
While elemental lead does not get absorbed by your skin, small lead particles/shavings do get caught in the microscopic folds of your skin on your hands, especially if you have dry or rough skin. Even with aggressive hand washing using a brush, these particles do not always wash off. It is very similar to getting sawdust stuck on a pair of knit gloves. You can verify this by looking at your hands after reloading with a magnifying glass. Unless you have very smooth skin, you will occasionally find a few small particles imbedded in the skin.
Since these will most likely just fall out on their own and not be ingested, it isn't a huge deal. Every little bit adds up though. To me, it is far easier to put on a pair of gloves than it is to try and get all of that off of my hands that always seem to be covered with half dead skin.
If you are using solvents of any kind while working with lead (cleaning guns comes to mind), you should always wear gloves. There are many solvents that can mix with the lead to create water soluble compounds that can easily be absorbed through the skin.
Once again, you are talking about microscopic amounts but it does all add up.
I have had high lead in the past and have done a fair amount of research on this one.
While elemental lead does not get absorbed by your skin, small lead particles/shavings do get caught in the microscopic folds of your skin on your hands, especially if you have dry or rough skin. Even with aggressive hand washing using a brush, these particles do not always wash off. It is very similar to getting sawdust stuck on a pair of knit gloves. You can verify this by looking at your hands after reloading with a magnifying glass. Unless you have very smooth skin, you will occasionally find a few small particles imbedded in the skin.
Since these will most likely just fall out on their own and not be ingested, it isn't a huge deal. Every little bit adds up though. To me, it is far easier to put on a pair of gloves than it is to try and get all of that off of my hands that always seem to be covered with half dead skin.
If you are using solvents of any kind while working with lead (cleaning guns comes to mind), you should always wear gloves. There are many solvents that can mix with the lead to create water soluble compounds that can easily be absorbed through the skin.
Once again, you are talking about microscopic amounts but it does all add up.
I guess it all depends on how careful you wanna be. If you're 65 and retired and old and grey and decrepit, its prolly not a big deal. If you're a younger guy and you still might wanna have kids, I think it'd be a good idea.
I use latex (nitrile) gloves anytime I'm going to be touching dirty stuff from this hobby. During reloading, brass sorting/collecting/cleaning, etc... Its a very small inconvenience when compared to your health.
I use latex (nitrile) gloves anytime I'm going to be touching dirty stuff from this hobby. During reloading, brass sorting/collecting/cleaning, etc... Its a very small inconvenience when compared to your health.
ColtPythonElite
Member
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After crimping lead sinkers with my teeth for 40 years, I don't worry about what my fingers touch.
plmitch
Member
I have for the past few years. Had high test levels.
Yarddog
Member
"After crimping lead sinkers with my teeth for 40 years, I don't worry about what my fingers touch"
Agree^^^^^done it quite a few time myself ; )
Y/D
Agree^^^^^done it quite a few time myself ; )
Y/D
groundsclown
Member
Agreed
There are so many many threads on this topic. You do not need to wear gloves, especially rubber. Do a search, there is pages of information.If you want to wear gloves wear latex or nitrile if it makes you feel better.
Lead is not absorbed through the skin. Wash you hands before eating, drinking, smoking or picking of the nose.
Here is but one thread. Type in lead levels under advanced search and you will find many!
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=307170&highlight=lead+blood+levels
Lead is not absorbed through the skin. Wash you hands before eating, drinking, smoking or picking of the nose.
Here is but one thread. Type in lead levels under advanced search and you will find many!
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=307170&highlight=lead+blood+levels
41 Mag
Member
I have been playing with cast for the past 4 years on almost a weekly basis. When I started up it just so happened that I had a physical scheduled around the same time. I had the Dr go ahead and add in the lead when they tested my blood since I would at least get a standard from which to go by. Turned out I tested with a 7, and have since for the past 4 years.
I asked how that compared to most folks and he said I probably get that much just being in the area traffic and messing with some of the solvents I use and am around at work.
I'm also one of the sinker biters as well. Been doing that since I was a kid along with having half a dozen 177 or 22 cal pellets in a cheek while out on the farm.
I don't wear nitril gloves unless I am messing with a pan lube operation simply to keep the goop off my fingers. When I cast I wear leather and when I am moving alloy or stacking ingots I use cotton. Other than that I wash with a very abrasive type soap which contains crushed walnut shells and works on my hands about as well as it does on my brass.
I figure with all the other things I have done in my lifetime the lead is on the short list of thing I should be worried about.
I asked how that compared to most folks and he said I probably get that much just being in the area traffic and messing with some of the solvents I use and am around at work.
I'm also one of the sinker biters as well. Been doing that since I was a kid along with having half a dozen 177 or 22 cal pellets in a cheek while out on the farm.
I don't wear nitril gloves unless I am messing with a pan lube operation simply to keep the goop off my fingers. When I cast I wear leather and when I am moving alloy or stacking ingots I use cotton. Other than that I wash with a very abrasive type soap which contains crushed walnut shells and works on my hands about as well as it does on my brass.
I figure with all the other things I have done in my lifetime the lead is on the short list of thing I should be worried about.
dickttx
Member
For a while I was getting dry, cracked skin on my thumb and first two fingers from handling lead bullets while seating. I got some finger cots at the drug store and it took care of the problem without having to wear the gloves. Or, just cut those three fingers off the gloves and use them.
jcwit
member
I'm 70, I've been reloading with lead for 50 years now, have yet to wear gloves when casting, smelting, or reloading.
My worry factor is pretty low, in fact I'd need to dig a hole to find it.
BTW, Yes, I have my blood levels tested fairly often, at least twice a year if not more often.
My worry factor is pretty low, in fact I'd need to dig a hole to find it.
BTW, Yes, I have my blood levels tested fairly often, at least twice a year if not more often.
ReloaderFred
Member
My response is exactly the same as jcwit's. I'll be 70 next summer, and have been loading for over 50 years, casting for 45 years, and I've never used latex, nitrile or rubber gloves when handling bullets. You get much more exposure to lead from firing primers (Lead Styphnate) than you do from handling bullets. If you're that worried, you should really be wearing a respirator while shooting.
Just wash thoroughly after handling lead and brass. That's what I've been doing for many, many years and my blood level is very low.
Hope this helps.
Fred
Just wash thoroughly after handling lead and brass. That's what I've been doing for many, many years and my blood level is very low.
Hope this helps.
Fred
Arkansas Paul
Member
I still crimp split shot with my teeth. Maybe I shouldn't.
RClem
Member
Except with the exception of Schwing, I probably have a higher lead content than most anyone else on this board, that said. I grew up in a place called Kellogg, ID during the peek of Bunker Hill and the rest of those mining conglomerates. Lead was every where, both raw and smelted. I have a lead count the last time it was tested, of 430. There are several methods of testing, but take it for granted this is high. As for safety around lead, if you are casting, a fan sucking the fumes away, a filter mask that will work at multiple parts per million and glove, (not only for burn protection but lead that can get on your skin in powder form). When you are handling lead bullets during loading there is not much chance of being contaminated, but gloves are a hassle, no matter how well they fit, go to an auto parts store and pick up some liquid gloves, it comes as a thick liquid that you apply and let dry, when it drys go ahead with your loading, at the end just peel off the residue. I don't advocate anyone use lead without great care in hygiene.
At 66 years old, I am still getting around very well and enjoying life, have 2 great children and 4 grand children with 7 great grandchildren, all are in excellent health and very lively, but know a few who were leaded in other places who are not doing so well.
EVERYTHING YOU DO WITH LEAD REQUIRES YOU TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AND PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR HYGIENE.
At 66 years old, I am still getting around very well and enjoying life, have 2 great children and 4 grand children with 7 great grandchildren, all are in excellent health and very lively, but know a few who were leaded in other places who are not doing so well.
EVERYTHING YOU DO WITH LEAD REQUIRES YOU TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AND PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR HYGIENE.
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1911 guy
Member
Yes, lead is a concern. But the highest lead concentration is probably in and around your case tumbler.
Don't eat, drink or smoke when reloading. Don't touch your face, especially eyes, nose and mouth. Wash you hands immediately after, singing the "Happy Birthday" song twice while scrubbing with soap and hot water. Rinse after the second performance of said song. Sing quietly unless you have a very good voice. Take particular care to wash fingers around the nails.
A chunk of lead, even the small chunk shaved off when seating a lead bullet, is not exactly a metallic hunk o' death. What gets you is the small particles that are easily absorbed by pores and mucous membranes. Thus the high concentrations usually found in and around tumblers. Residue from the bullet in the case neck.
Don't eat, drink or smoke when reloading. Don't touch your face, especially eyes, nose and mouth. Wash you hands immediately after, singing the "Happy Birthday" song twice while scrubbing with soap and hot water. Rinse after the second performance of said song. Sing quietly unless you have a very good voice. Take particular care to wash fingers around the nails.
A chunk of lead, even the small chunk shaved off when seating a lead bullet, is not exactly a metallic hunk o' death. What gets you is the small particles that are easily absorbed by pores and mucous membranes. Thus the high concentrations usually found in and around tumblers. Residue from the bullet in the case neck.
All great ideas, good suggestions, opinions and facts. That said, I'm over 50 and have been loading over half that. I now have been wearing the nitrile gloves for 85% of my reloading bench activities, it's just easier to peel gloves off & toss vs. singing songs.
I guess perhaps if the newfangled gloves didn't fit you right then it would be difficult. However also, why lack for a precaution on one portion of my sport, but preach & practice safety-safety-safety on other parts?
Safety is to prevent that .05% chance of something going wrong, whether gloves during reloading, the goggles hang from the press fellas (in order to start the press, I have to get goggles in-hand), a dedicated sweeper bag for the reloading room (powder drips, spent primers, etc.), changing tumbler outside in fresh air...or even wearing the seat belt driving to shoot or ''eyes & ears'' at the range.
It's a whole picture I try to develop, safety for every aspect of my sport hobby that is increasingly under fire from those who would love to stop any part of it regardless of the application.
I guess perhaps if the newfangled gloves didn't fit you right then it would be difficult. However also, why lack for a precaution on one portion of my sport, but preach & practice safety-safety-safety on other parts?
Safety is to prevent that .05% chance of something going wrong, whether gloves during reloading, the goggles hang from the press fellas (in order to start the press, I have to get goggles in-hand), a dedicated sweeper bag for the reloading room (powder drips, spent primers, etc.), changing tumbler outside in fresh air...or even wearing the seat belt driving to shoot or ''eyes & ears'' at the range.
It's a whole picture I try to develop, safety for every aspect of my sport hobby that is increasingly under fire from those who would love to stop any part of it regardless of the application.
HEAVY METAL 1
Member
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- Jan 18, 2005
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- 418
I feel better about wearing gloves as it provides an additional barrier. It is cheap insurance. Even if it does not afford any real protection it sure makes cleaning my hands after a loading session a lot easier.
jcwit
member
I made a post earlier, post # 14 to be exact, and I'll add this. I'll bet one gets more dangerous pollutants walking down a busy street in a city to worry about than loading cast bullets.
I have no way to prove or support this, but it's just a hunch I have.
I have no way to prove or support this, but it's just a hunch I have.
ReloaderFred
Member
For all this worry and internet hysteria, all I can say is the years I've had a chunk of lead in my hide hasn't raised my blood levels at all, and yes, it's a piece of bullet. I wash my hands and I don't eat or stick my fingers in my mouth while handling lead, as that's just common sense, but if I was really concerned, I'd have some rich surgeon take this chunk of lead out of my body. But since it hasn't affected my blood tests, and doesn't impair my bodily functions, it's just going to stay where it is and go to the grave with me.
If you want to dress up in a HazMat suit and booties, and wear a respirator while "enjoying" this sport, then go for it. I'll be on the firing line next you with eye and ear protection, sans the suit and booties, firing away.
I'll also be running all three of my tumblers in my shop when I get back from the range, and I'll sift the brass out inside the shop in my Berry's Separator, just like I've been doing for the past 50+ years.(I've only had the Berry's Separator for about 10 years)
Then I'll go to my casting bench and fire up the Master Caster and cast a whole bunch more bullets and then run them through the Star lube/sizers and reload all the cases I fired, also without gloves or white suit. Then we can all go to the lab together and compare blood/lead levels and I'll bet mine is lower. Just sayin'.
Hope this helps.
Fred
If you want to dress up in a HazMat suit and booties, and wear a respirator while "enjoying" this sport, then go for it. I'll be on the firing line next you with eye and ear protection, sans the suit and booties, firing away.
I'll also be running all three of my tumblers in my shop when I get back from the range, and I'll sift the brass out inside the shop in my Berry's Separator, just like I've been doing for the past 50+ years.(I've only had the Berry's Separator for about 10 years)
Then I'll go to my casting bench and fire up the Master Caster and cast a whole bunch more bullets and then run them through the Star lube/sizers and reload all the cases I fired, also without gloves or white suit. Then we can all go to the lab together and compare blood/lead levels and I'll bet mine is lower. Just sayin'.
Hope this helps.
Fred
balderclev
Member
I have made lead sinkers for 50 years using an open flame in a garage with no temperature sensor. Doesn't seem to have affected me.
I hav mad led sinkors....oh, alrade saed tat...
I hav mad led sinkors....oh, alrade saed tat...
Well anyways I think...wait. Actually, I can eat a high fat diet for years, and smoke 5 packs of cigarettes, and based on because I don't feel anything, I'm ok.
GrandPa did.
There are reasonable precautions to prevent lead exposure, based on SCIENCE not personal anecdote. And, there strangely are lead tests to see if you have lead in your system. Now if there was no problem as some purport I guess they made a ficticous test for no more reason then poking people in the arm, didn't they.
It either gets in through your skin, breath it in, eat it etc. but alas it gets in somehow...probably, just maybe...could it be...by being around it?? Really??
Judge for yourself, these things are self-evident but if you choose not to lower/reduce your exposure by some silly physical barrier i.e gloves, or washing good, knock yourself out. I've got a little more vested to lose I guess.
And if you never, ever ever get a lead blood level build up, good for you too !!!
GrandPa did.
There are reasonable precautions to prevent lead exposure, based on SCIENCE not personal anecdote. And, there strangely are lead tests to see if you have lead in your system. Now if there was no problem as some purport I guess they made a ficticous test for no more reason then poking people in the arm, didn't they.
It either gets in through your skin, breath it in, eat it etc. but alas it gets in somehow...probably, just maybe...could it be...by being around it?? Really??
Judge for yourself, these things are self-evident but if you choose not to lower/reduce your exposure by some silly physical barrier i.e gloves, or washing good, knock yourself out. I've got a little more vested to lose I guess.
And if you never, ever ever get a lead blood level build up, good for you too !!!
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