Does dusts from tumbler actions cause lead poisoning?

[RemingtonMarlin]

I read Modern reloading today. Mr. Richard Lee claimed in this book that the dusts from tumblering brass would cause serious lead poisoning because current primer contains a large amount of lead heavy metal.

Kind of scary , isn't it? Anyone have came cross this issue before?


Thanks.

 

[Mudpuppy]

I don't see this being a problem if you are using the tumbler properly.
Most tumbler media is treated with some form of polish that gives it a certain tackiness and the tumbler is run with the cover on it.
If the media is properly treated any lead residue will stick to the media and any free dust that may be released should be contained by the cover.

Unless you are running the tumbler with dry media and the cover off, or eating the used media , I wouldn't worry about it.

Just don't lick your fingers when handling the brass from the tumbler and wash your hands after reloading.

 

[kenjuudo]

Please see the thread re favorite tumbling media... dust is an issue depending on what media you're using, and yes, you should be mindful of lead issues whenever you're reloading, shooting or whatever... always wash your hands... and use cold water as it doesn't dialate pores (which can increase absorbtion, obvioulsy...)

Just my $.02, typed with chapped hands...

Dave.

 

[RJM]

If your media is dusty it's too dry. Add 1 ounce of water to 1 quart of media and run it for 15 minutes before adding cases to mix it in. You don't want a wey gob of media insdie a case.

 

[Lefty Dick]

I guess if you feel you are being exposed to lead dust, proper PPE, is required, I do beleive a 3M, 8210 dust mask if fitted properly will adequatly trap lead dust. They run about 25cents a piece at better Industrial supply houses.
I have begun using a dust mask for many house hold tasks, stuff that creates any dust even hand sanding wood can cause respritory problems if done too often without some sort of protection.
Get a media siffter so you don't have your hands in the media also, this should mitigate your hands coming in contact with lead dust.
and always wash your hands often when handling any suspect substances.