EXPOSURE TO LEAD THROUGH FIREARMS
The exposure to lead on firing ranges (military or civilian) occurs as soon as a
shooter pulls the trigger on a firearm. This action causes the primer of the cartridge in the
weapon's chamber to explode, which - in turn - ignites the main powder charge. At this
point, a respirable cloud of lead particulates is expelled from the cartridge primer into the
air, with minute particles of lead dust spraying the shooter's hands, face, and clothing.
With exposed lead types of projectiles, minute lead particles also shear off from
them as the projectile travels through the barrel of the weapon. In jacketed ammunition
with exposed lead bases, minute particles are shed from the small exposed base area.
When the projectile leaves the barrel, a second cloud of contaminants, in the form of the
muzzle blast, bursts into the air. These contaminants contain particles of lead and other
chemicals from the projectile and the residue of unburnt powder and burnt powder
gasses. Then, as the bullet travels through the air and strikes the impact area, another
contaminated cloud rises if the projectile strikes a solid object causing it to break up,
releasing small particles of lead dust into the air.
When shooters inhale these various clouds of contaminants, lead particles travel
directly into their lungs and are quickly absorbed from there into the bloodstream. The
blood then transfers this inhaled lead into soft body tissue and bone. Heat from smoking,
sweating, or physical activity accelerates this process.
Lead can also settle on the skin and hair, and in turn, be absorbed through the
pores of the skin. If lead particles reach the mouth, they can be ingested directly into the
digestive system.
Exposure increases when it is time for the individual to clean-up, because
handling empty casings can result in lead being transferred to the skin, or to clothing and
other garments from where it will eventually find its way into the body. The actual cleaning
process for the weapon also removes much of the remaining lead in the barrel and lead
particulates from other parts of the weapon and transfers it to the cleaner's hands. Oils
and solvents used to clean and lubricate weapons cause the natural oils in the skin to
evaporate, leaving dry skin and open pores through which the lead can more easily pass.
