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You are Here: Home Page > Lead > Reducing Lead at Indoor Firing Ranges  

Reducing Lead at Indoor Firing Ranges

Exposure to lead dust and fumes at the firing range may harm the health of shooters, instructors and maintenance staff. You can breathe in airborne lead at the range and also carry home lead dust that settles on your body, clothes, shoes or hair. Lead that enters the body will be stored in the blood, organs or bones and can affect the brain and nervous system, the digestive system, the reproductive system, the kidneys and the ability to make blood.

There are simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead!

Here are some ideas for reducing lead hazards at the firing range:

• Use non-leaded ammunition and primer whenever possible. Using jacketed bullets can also reduce lead emissions, if not prohibited by trap design.
• Don't eat, drink or smoke inside the range.
• Use one pair of shoes and a set of washable coveralls to be used only for shooting. Leave them at the range if possible, or keep them in a plastic bag. Wear the coveralls over your street clothes, under your shooting jacket. Wash them separately from other clothes at least weekly.
• Wash hands and face immediately after shooting, after cleaning firearms, picking up spent casings/pellets, or reloading ammunition.
• Cleaning and maintenance work at the firing range should be completed by individuals trained in lead protection procedures.

Here are some ideas for reducing lead hazards at home:

Melting lead to cast bullets creates lead fume and dust. If you cast bullets at home, learn more about ventilation and clean-up, especially if there are children at home! It's best to have a place that has good mechanical ventilation to pull the fumes outdoors, is not used for other purposes and is not accessible to children. Sweeping can stir up lead dust, so wet mopping works best. Casters, call for more information!

Avoid or minimize lead exposure from other activities or hobbies such as making fishing sinkers, using lead solder, making stained glass, cutting or burning painted steel, or renovating older homes that may contain lead.

Environmental Health Infoline: 1-800-458-1158