A few years ago a friend of mine who shoots competitively (and reloads) was diagnosed with elevated levels of lead. He had to take some time off from shooting to lower the level. He was also told by the Dr to was with cold water after handling ammo. The reasoning was to prevent hot water from opening the pores and allowing lead to be more easily absorbed. I'm not sure this could be a problem for me but good to be aware of
I worked in a Lead Foundry many years ago and I had my blood checked ( By the company ) every 2 weeks to check for elevated levels .
I worked in many areas of production and was exposed to lead dust , raw lead in casting and the fumes from casting .
We were told that the casting process was the highest risk through inhalation ( thru an ill fitted respirator or bad habits ) . Not so much as touching it , but should still practice hand washing practices .( Smokers always seemed to have higher counts also . )
Some people came in off the streets as new hires with high lead counts .....some they said was possible thru leaded gasoline .
You didnt happen to work at the battery plant that was in Plainfield did you? I worked for them for about a week in the area where we melted lead and then made plates. That was the worst job I ever had. Had to take like 2-3 showers a day, clothes worn in factory had to stay in factory, blood draw every 2 weeks when a bus showed up for draw, etc.
The thing that blew me away though, was like my 3rd day was a Friday and there was a blood draw that day. I am doing my job and melting lead and all these guys kept coming in and lifting their masks and huffing lead fumes. I was blown away! I ask what are you fools doing? They inform me it is blood draw day, if you inhale lead fumes for about 2-3 minutes level would be high enough for 3 days off paid! I quit that job a few days later....bunch of idiots.
Yes . I worked at RSR/Quemetco Co. .......1979-81 . I never purposely inhaled lead to get days off ( Definitely Idiots ) but i guess I had to be somewhat of an idiot to work there for 3 years .
I was young and dumb. I actually had to wear monitors on occasions to see what levels of contaminants that I was exposed to ( Including "Inorganic Arsenic " a Cancer Hazard ) every single time , the limits I was exposed to were exceeded . I signed the paper that I was aware of the findings .
Not sure what years you worked there , but that seems to be the mindset of today ........" I`ll do anything for some free days off ."
Agree......worst job ever !