Lead exposure is dangerous, and ignoring it can create long-term health issues. However wit a few routine habits, you can dramatically reduce your exposure while still shooting often. These are listed in order of importance.

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1. Shoot Outdoors When You Can

The easiest way to reduce lead exposure is to maximize fresh air and ventilation.

• Outdoor ranges disperse lead particles quickly.

• Indoor ranges (especially older ones) can trap airborne lead.

Fresh air beats filters every time.

2. Don’t Eat Until You’ve Cleaned Your Hands

Lead from handling bullets, and lead particles from shooting will accumulate on your hands and body. If you eat without washing first, you end up ingesting it.

No eating or touching your face until your hands are decontaminated.

If you need to snack at the range:

• Eat from wrappers (protein bars, jerky, etc, Honey Stingers.) Only touch the wrapper, not the food.

• Keep your hands away from your mouth and nose

• Your bottles should have closed lids and kept away from the firing line. Nalgene

DECON options:

• Lead-removal wipes - Single packets

• Wash your hands with cold water and lead specific soap

3. Have a pair of Dedicated Range Shoes

Your shoes pick up lead and lead dust from the firing line. Bringing those shoes into your house spreads it everywhere; especially carpets and floors your kids play on. Don’t walk around your house with your range shoes on.

To prevent that:

• Have a pair of shoes used only for the range

• Keep them in your garage or vehicle in a dedicated bag

• Never wear them indoors

This habit alone cuts household lead contamination dramatically.

4. Wash Range Clothing Separately

Lead particles cling to fabric fibers. Don’t throw your range clothes into the laundry with regular clothing.

Instead:

• Wash them separately

• Use a lead-specific detergent

• Avoid shaking clothing. Shaking spreads dust into the air

5. Clean Your Gear Regularly

Gear collects lead: holsters, belts, bags, gloves, rifle cases, mags — all of it.

To keep it under control:

• Wipe down guns, magazines, and gear regularly with lead wipes

• Vacuum your range bag often

• Clean more frequently if you shoot indoors often

Consistency is key here.

6. Shower After Shooting

Lead settles into:

• Hair

• Beard

• Arms

• Neck

Shower after shooting removes everything wipes can’t get. If you have kids, this is especially important before hugging or playing with them.

7. Keep Your Car Clean

Your car becomes a contamination zone if you’re not careful.

Reduce that risk by:

• Storing gear in containers

• Vacuuming seats and floors regularly

• Wiping down steering wheels, consoles, and door handles

Treat your car the same way you treat your gear bag.

8. Reloading Safety Matters

Reloaders get extra exposure from:

• Primers

• Spent brass

• Dry tumbling dust

To mitigate:

• Reload in a ventilated space

• Wear disposable gloves

• Don’t eat or drink near the bench

• Clean your workspace regularly

• Use wet tumbling when possible (reduces airborne dust)

9. Get Your Blood Lead Level Tested

If you regularly:

• Shoot

• Reload

• Attend indoor ranges

An annual blood test is smart. It’s quick, inexpensive, and tracks your long-term exposure.

Seeing the number go down over time is the proof that your habits are working.

Final Thoughts

• Shooting outdoors

• Decontaminate your hands before eating

• Dedicated range clothing and shoes

• Cleaning gear regularly

• Showering after the range immediately