I had to leave for the gun range in a hurry, this is really dumb but long story short i brushed my teeth and stuck my toothbrush in my pocket. anyway, so i ended up finishing shooting, i put a bunch of .22lr federal shells and cartridges in the pocket along with some 9mm casings. I bought a new toothbrush out of fear of the toxcicity, long story short i went to brush my teeth but had the old one that touched the cartridges lying around and i brushed my teeth with it by accident. i got the new one out immediately, scrubbed, rinsed, and spat. I am afraid i will get lead poisoining now, not sure how irrational that fear is. how dirty/bad are bullets to the touch, I know to wash my hands after going to the range, but will i get lead poising or cancer in the mouth now? Has anyone experienced similar things? how toxic are bullets
How toxic are bullets and shell casings?
- Thread starter Patriotbrass
- Start date
I cant picture what you did ... toothbrush in the pocket with shells etc? whelp ...
Anyways. lead is poisonous. jacketed bullets are jacketed and have no exposed lead and are harmless. cases are brass and harmless. burnt powder residue is probably nothing I would eat.
having some stuff touch your toothbrush ONCE is likely no big deal. If you are worried you can have a blood test done for toxins and heavy metals. Certain metals can be removed from the blood.
Likely this isnt worth it. Most lead poisoning from shooting happens via air to my knowledge.
When I say harmless, take in mind that nearly all metals are bad for you if ingested or absorbed in enough qty
Matt
Anyways. lead is poisonous. jacketed bullets are jacketed and have no exposed lead and are harmless. cases are brass and harmless. burnt powder residue is probably nothing I would eat.
having some stuff touch your toothbrush ONCE is likely no big deal. If you are worried you can have a blood test done for toxins and heavy metals. Certain metals can be removed from the blood.
Likely this isnt worth it. Most lead poisoning from shooting happens via air to my knowledge.
When I say harmless, take in mind that nearly all metals are bad for you if ingested or absorbed in enough qty
Matt
Your screwed.
Northaways
Regular
- Location
- Northaways
If it’s an indoor range you probably ingested more lead from the range than your toothbrush.
FreedomIsn'tFree
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Republic of Buffalo.
This is how we used to hold a few pellets growing up and I'm okay, some may disagree. I've handled lead fishing weights, tire weights and ammo for almost 50 years now and I'm still alive. We used to play with mercury as kids as well, oh the good old days. I think the need to put your toothbrush in your pocket may be a bigger concern for you.
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buzzmagoo
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- sprucewood Hallows Eastern Townships
Flash back to my younger days used to hold pellet in my mouth when I went on sniping missions( up in trees and on the shed roof ) haven't had any ill effects yet ( or so the voices in my head tell me !) Have known old veterans that have Shrapnel wounds that lived to ripe old ages . Lead dust and old lead paint exposure I think would be more of a concern . How many times did ya chew or suck on you pencil at school ?
Youll be fine, just don't do it every day from now on.I used to keep pellets in my mouth as a teenager while out bird and squirrel hunting, and chewed enough lead sinkers while fishing to sink a ship. I don't do either anymore. Ive been tested for lead and everything was fine. Don't worry about it
Lead poisoning -- not from handling bullets/brass. Maybe from smelting and casting lead bullets.. slightly higher possible levels. Shooting on a poorly ventilated indoor range ( vaporized lead) if you do it A LOT.
Most dangerous... drinking tap water in Michigan or in your century old house with lead plumbing.
Most dangerous... drinking tap water in Michigan or in your century old house with lead plumbing.
- Location
- West Quebec
What's a lot ??
next time you are at your DR ask for a lead test - in ON it is covered by OHIP
You will at least get a base line so you can see where you are
As most others have said, relax........you get more exposure to lead (and tons of other chemicals) than you know
You will at least get a base line so you can see where you are
As most others have said, relax........you get more exposure to lead (and tons of other chemicals) than you know
