Blood test for lead came back high

safetyfirst2125 said:
So sorry to hear that, but good you know.

I’m not a Dr but I figured I’d see what the world’s most advanced AI has to say in terms of things you can do to help. The parts about supplements that bind to lead in your bloodstream so they can be eliminated seem worth exploring and definitely stop any further ingestion/absorption.

—————

I’m not a medical professional, but I can share some general, commonly accepted information about elevated lead levels and how they’re typically addressed. Ultimately, it’s crucial that the person work closely with a physician—preferably someone experienced in environmental or occupational medicine—to decide on the best course of action. However, here are a few points that are often recommended in situations like this:

1. Identify and Eliminate Ongoing Exposure
• Shooting Range Precautions: If he’s shooting indoors, ensuring that the range has adequate ventilation is key. Many indoor ranges have specialized ventilation systems to help minimize airborne lead. If the ventilation is questionable, or if he’s reloading ammunition with lead components in poorly ventilated areas, that can be a major contributor.
• Hygiene Measures: Washing hands thoroughly with dedicated “lead-removing” soaps (or even standard soap, but very carefully and for enough time) can help. Avoid eating or drinking in areas where lead dust may be present.
• Protective Gear: Wear gloves when handling ammunition or cleaning firearms, and use proper respiratory protection if there’s a possibility of lead dust in the air (e.g., during firearms cleaning or reloading).

2. Nutritional Support
• Ensure Adequate Intake of Key Nutrients: Diets low in calcium or iron can make lead absorption worse. Making sure he has enough calcium, iron, and vitamin C (which can aid in iron absorption) is sometimes recommended. While this won’t “cure” lead toxicity on its own, it can help reduce how much new lead the body absorbs.
• Stay Hydrated: Good hydration helps support kidney function and can help the body excrete toxins more effectively.

3. Chelation Therapy
• When It’s Used: Chelation therapy is a medical treatment used when blood lead levels are significantly high (often 45 µg/dL and above in adults, though some physicians might consider it at lower levels if there are significant symptoms). However, the threshold for initiating chelation can vary depending on symptoms, overall health, and physician judgment.
• Chelating Agents: Commonly used agents include EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), DMSA (Dimercaptosuccinic acid), and DMPS (Dimercaptopropane sulfonate). These medications bind to lead in the bloodstream so it can be excreted by the body.
• Risks and Benefits: Chelation therapy can have side effects (e.g., it can also bind to good minerals like calcium and zinc), so it’s usually reserved for people with clearly high levels or symptomatic lead toxicity.

4. Monitoring and Follow-Up
• Repeat Blood Tests: His doctor may want to monitor lead levels periodically—every few months—to see if levels drop once any ongoing exposure is reduced.
• Other Health Checks: Because lead toxicity can affect multiple organ systems, the doctor might look at kidney function, blood pressure, and other markers over time.

5. Additional Considerations
• Occupational Medicine Consultation: Since he was a mechanic and handled large amounts of lead in the past, an occupational medicine specialist could provide guidance on whether there are still environmental factors contributing to ongoing lead absorption.
• Environmental Assessment: If there’s any chance his home, plumbing, or older paint could be a source of lead dust, having an environmental assessment may be helpful.
• Lifestyle Factors: Getting enough sleep, watching alcohol consumption (excess alcohol can affect how the body handles toxins), and following other general health measures can be beneficial overall.

Takeaway

For a blood lead level in the mid-20s, doctors often start with “remove the exposure” plus close monitoring. Depending on symptoms and how the level responds once exposure is reduced, chelation might or might not be recommended. If he’s dealing with persistent fatigue—and lead is suspected to be a contributing factor—his physician might at least discuss the pros and cons of chelation therapy or other supportive treatments.

Because everyone’s situation is different, the best advice is to follow up with the healthcare provider for specific guidance, further testing, and personalized recommendations. But yes—there are definitely procedures (like chelation) and preventive measures that can help manage and eventually reduce elevated lead levels.
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Thanks for asking our AI soon to be overlords the question. It's amazing what they can spit out.
 
safetyfirst2125 said:
And….

——
I’m not a doctor, so the following is for general information only and should not replace professional medical advice—particularly when dealing with something as serious as elevated lead levels. However, there are certain nutrients and dietary supplements that people often cite for their potential role in reducing lead absorption or supporting the body’s natural detox processes.

1. Basic Nutritional Supplements

1. Calcium

• Why It Helps: Calcium competes with lead for absorption in the body. If you’re low on calcium, your body may absorb more lead.

• Where to Find It:

• Over the counter in pharmacies, supermarkets, vitamin shops.

• Often combined with Vitamin D3 to aid absorption.

2. Iron

• Why It Helps: Similar to calcium, iron deficiency can increase lead absorption. Correcting an iron deficiency may help reduce how much lead is taken up by the body.

• Where to Find It:

• Multivitamins with iron, standalone iron supplements.

• Check with a doctor before supplementing, as taking too much iron can cause its own issues.

3. Vitamin C

• Why It Helps: Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption and may help the body’s natural detoxification processes.

• Where to Find It:

• OTC tablets, gummies, or powders in pharmacies and health food stores.

• Also abundant in citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, etc.

2. Other Supplements Often Mentioned

1. Zinc

• Why It Helps: Zinc may help reduce lead’s harmful effects and also competes with lead in some biological pathways.

• Where to Find It:

• Available in most pharmacies and health stores as standalone zinc or in a multivitamin/mineral supplement.

2. Magnesium

• Why It Helps: Adequate magnesium supports general cellular health and can be depleted if you’re under stress or exposed to toxins. It doesn’t directly “bind” lead strongly, but it’s considered supportive.

• Where to Find It:

• Magnesium supplements are common in pharmacies.

• Found naturally in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

3. N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

• Why It Helps: NAC supports glutathione production (glutathione is a major antioxidant in the body that can help with detoxification).

• Where to Find It:

• Health food stores, online supplement retailers.

• Note: NAC was once freely sold as a supplement; regulations can vary by country, so availability might differ depending on location.

4. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

• Why It Helps: ALA is another antioxidant that can help regenerate other antioxidants like Vitamins C and E, theoretically aiding the body’s ability to handle toxins.

• Where to Find It:

• Health food stores, online supplement retailers.

5. Fiber-Rich “Detox” Supplements (Chlorella, Spirulina, etc.)

• Why They’re Mentioned: Some people believe that certain algae (like chlorella/spirulina) or foods high in soluble fiber can bind heavy metals in the gut and reduce absorption.

• Where to Find Them:

• Health food stores, online supplement shops.

3. Chelation Supplements vs. Prescription Chelation

• EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid):

• Over-the-counter (OTC) EDTA supplements exist, often marketed for “heavy metal detox.” However, the more potent forms of EDTA chelation typically require a prescription and are administered intravenously or under a doctor’s supervision.

• If lead levels are high enough to warrant true chelation therapy, a medical professional may prescribe EDTA, DMSA, or DMPS.

• Self-medicating with chelators can be risky, because chelation therapy can also remove essential minerals from the body and cause side effects.

• DMSA (Dimercaptosuccinic Acid):

• Sometimes available as an OTC supplement in certain countries, but in others it’s prescription-only. It’s one of the main oral chelators used for lead poisoning.

• If your lead level is high enough that a physician recommends DMSA, you should be monitored throughout treatment (blood tests, kidney function, etc.).

4. Important Notes & Precautions

1. Testing & Monitoring

• Before starting any regimen for elevated lead, it’s critical to have regular blood tests to measure your current lead level and to track whether it’s improving.

• Also check your levels of iron, calcium, magnesium, etc. to see if you’re actually deficient. Supplementing unnecessarily can cause imbalances or side effects.

2. Quality and Sources

• Look for reputable supplement brands. Check for third-party testing or certifications (e.g., NSF, USP) to ensure you’re getting a product that actually contains what the label says and is free of contaminants.

3. Elimination of Exposure

• No supplement will have a lasting benefit if you’re still being exposed to high levels of lead. It’s essential to minimize or eliminate contact with lead sources (e.g., ensuring proper ventilation at shooting ranges, using gloves, thorough hand-washing, etc.).

4. Potential Side Effects

• Some minerals (especially iron) can cause gastrointestinal upset or other issues. Always discuss with a healthcare professional to determine if these are safe and appropriate for you.


5. Where to Buy

1. Local Pharmacies/Drugstores:

• Common vitamins and minerals (calcium, iron, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium) are widely available. NAC may vary by location.

2. Health Food Stores:

• Often carry a broad range of supplements, including algae-based (chlorella/spirulina) and antioxidants like alpha lipoic acid.

3. Online Retailers:

• Places like iHerb, Amazon, or specialized supplement websites carry a wide variety. Always read product reviews and choose reputable brands.

Final Thought

While these supplements may help support the body’s natural processes and reduce further absorption, they are not a substitute for medical treatment if lead levels are high enough to pose a serious health risk. If your blood lead level is in a range where chelation therapy is indicated (often over 40–45 µg/dL in adults, but this can vary), that therapy should be done under medical supervision.

Always coordinate with a healthcare provider to identify the best approach and ensure safety.
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That is very helpful, thank you. I'm going to try changing my habits first and see what the doc has to say before doing any medications or supplements. Hopefully the stuff I can directly control will show some positive results.
 
DW357 said:
Sweeping the floor is another when cleaning up cases is another big issue. You kick up a lot of the lead dust which you inhale and get on your shoes and clothes.
You’re almost like a lead abatement worker but without wearing any proper PPE which isn’t great.
If you really want to continue this routine I’d highly suggest a half face respirator with P100 (HEPA filters) cartridges which will offer the most protection.
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Though per OSHA you need to be fit tested for respirators, can’t have a beard etc otherwise you don’t get a good seal

Home Depot:
 
I vaguely remember reading somewhere too that if you go to the range frequently, you should have clothes dedicated for the range, and wash them separately from the rest of your clothes. Whatever shoes you wear there, rinse them or keep them in the garage, etc. Take whatever measures you are willing to and deem worthwhile.
 
Fixingcars said:
Damn, I just grew my beard back after a few years without one. It looks like N95 masks are rated for lead dust so I am probably going to go with those first.
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You probably want a half mask respirator like DW357 suggested. A dust mask is better than nothing, but it's just going to float on your beard, you'll suck a bunch of air in the sides, and you're probably going to struggle with fogging up your eyepro. At least a half mask respirator, you can crank down on the straps a bit, and it'll be less likely to fog up your shooting glasses.
 
Fixingcars said:
Damn, I just grew my beard back after a few years without one. It looks like N95 masks are rated for lead dust so I am probably going to go with those first.
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Well a N95 or any mask or respirator isn’t going to be as effective if you have facial hair. P100’s have the highest safety level which is what you want. Though you really should trim your beard down at a minimum
Per OSHA you do need to be fit tested but I think many people do not especially if they don’t wear one at work where the employer is required to have fit testing conducted.
 
p.. said:
You probably want a half mask respirator like DW357 suggested. A dust mask is better than nothing, but it's just going to float on your beard, you'll suck a bunch of air in the sides, and you're probably going to struggle with fogging up your eyepro. At least a half mask respirator, you can crank down on the straps a bit, and it'll be less likely to fog up your shooting glasses.
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This
 
eisenhow said:
There arew a few old threads, this is a good one:
R

Thread 'Risk of lead poisoning from indoor range?'

Just curious what if any codes are there to protect against this? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions on the matter.

I started wearing a 3M respirator with P100 filters when I was still shooting bullseye. It helped some, I dropped to 4 ug/dL (from a high of 13) after I stopped shooting bullseye and USPSA indoors.
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I remember Brian (I think that was his name?) wearing a respirator at the indoor malden USPSA matches. I’m sure I inhaled lots of lead there but their ventilation seemed to be newer and better equipped.
 
40 years ago when I got started, I did everything wrong with respect to lead exposure. I shot at a poorly ventilated indoor range, never washed my hands after shooting, reloaded while eating chips, ect. I was working at a Printed Circuit Board fab and assembly house where I electroplated lead, screened and reflowed lead boards as part of my job. My employer tested my lead level 2x per year, I suspect to protect themselves from liability.

Well the tests started coming back high and the company freaked out. As they went through my workplace routine, I realized that it was my shooting and reloading that was the problem. They caught my level at 12 with an normal reading under 4-5, I forget the units. I was not high enough to require treatment, read about chelation pills and enema's if you want motivation to change your behavior.

There were a couple of years where I was shooting lots of trap, skeet and sporting clays like 4-6 boxes a week. It of course was outdoors and I had the anti-lead wipes to clean my hands after shooting. I did get tested and was below the normal range, so you can shoot and be safe.

Oh and I understand that you never get rid of the lead, it just leaches from your blood to your bones but I could be wrong here.
 
If after you shoot, you have a sweet taste in your mouth and then you blow your nose and it's filled with black boogers, you have a problem. Lead styphnate is used in primers to go flash/bang after striking. Lead leaves a sweet taste in your mouth, that's why they worry about kids eating lead paint.


Applications​

[edit]
Lead styphnate is mainly used in small arms ammunition for military and commercial applications. It serves as a primary explosive used in firearms primers, which will ignite upon a simple impact.<a href="Lead styphnate - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>11<span>]</span></a> It is similarly used in blank cartridges for powder-actuated nail guns. Lead styphnate is also used as primer in microthrusters for small satellite stationkeeping
 
Just a few points; Yes good ventilation is a must on an indoor range.

I found the greatest risk was to the reloader; The priming compound used in firearms is lead styphnate, this is the yellow compound in the primer cup. For reloaders who tumble brass, the action of tumbling breaks this compound up into easily ingestible particles. During the separation process from the media, the particle get airborne and inhaled. You can do a few things to minimize contact. One: never tumble indoors, this sends the dust through your living space. Two: insert a cloths dryer sheet in the tumbling mix, this will allow most small particle to get stuck to the sheet. Three: when sifting or separating the media from the brass-OUTDOORS wear a mask and gloves. The dryer sheet can be put in a baggie and disposed of. Same with the gloves.
Again try to minimize your exposure. Most air handling systems in ranges suck, they just pull air out with little filtration. In winter most folks won't turn them on because it also pulls out the heat in the range. And in ranges that do recycle the air, they barely have a filter system nevermind mind one that has three stages. If you are blowing your nose after a shooting session and it's black, this is a good indication of trouble down the road. Please stay healthy.
 
ridleyman said:
I assume that copper coated .22 and fully jacketed larger caliber bullets aren't much of a concern.
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No. First there is lead in the primer. Second, FMJ bullets have exposed lead at the base.

The way FMJ bullets are constructed, they start with a lead core and a copper disk. The copper disk is then pressed down over the nose of the bullet and crimped around the edge of the base. As a result, FMJ bullets have a circle of exposed lead at the base. When the round is discharged, that lead base is exposed to combustion and some lead becomes vaporized.

JHP bullets do not have an exposed lead base because of how they are constructed. For JHP bullets, the copper disk is pressed on from the rear and crimped at the front. TMJ bullets are covered at the base. I don’t know about 22lr plated bullets — pull a bullet and look at the base.

But with JHP, TMJ, and plated bullets you still have lead in the primer and I believe that is where most of the airborne lead comes from.

You could buy lead free rounds, but those are expensive. The easiest thing to do is just avoid indoor ranges.
 
Last edited:
Greg Derr said:
Just a few points; Yes good ventilation is a must on an indoor range.

I found the greatest risk was to the reloader; The priming compound used in firearms is lead styphnate, this is the yellow compound in the primer cup. For reloaders who tumble brass, the action of tumbling breaks this compound up into easily ingestible particles. During the separation process from the media, the particle get airborne and inhaled. You can do a few things to minimize contact. One: never tumble indoors, this sends the dust through your living space. Two: insert a cloths dryer sheet in the tumbling mix, this will allow most small particle to get stuck to the sheet. Three: when sifting or separating the media from the brass-OUTDOORS wear a mask and gloves. The dryer sheet can be put in a baggie and disposed of. Same with the gloves.
Again try to minimize your exposure. Most air handling systems in ranges suck, they just pull air out with little filtration. In winter most folks won't turn them on because it also pulls out the heat in the range. And in ranges that do recycle the air, they barely have a filter system nevermind mind one that has three stages. If you are blowing your nose after a shooting session and it's black, this is a good indication of trouble down the road. Please stay healthy.
Click to expand...
Yeah, definitely tumble and sift outdoors. Also, if you have mixed brass and you are sifting the cases through caliber specific sieves, also do that outdoors.
 
Greg Derr said:
Just a few points; Yes good ventilation is a must on an indoor range.

I found the greatest risk was to the reloader; The priming compound used in firearms is lead styphnate, this is the yellow compound in the primer cup. For reloaders who tumble brass, the action of tumbling breaks this compound up into easily ingestible particles. During the separation process from the media, the particle get airborne and inhaled. You can do a few things to minimize contact. One: never tumble indoors, this sends the dust through your living space. Two: insert a cloths dryer sheet in the tumbling mix, this will allow most small particle to get stuck to the sheet. Three: when sifting or separating the media from the brass-OUTDOORS wear a mask and gloves. The dryer sheet can be put in a baggie and disposed of. Same with the gloves.
Click to expand...
Excellent advice. I didn’t bring up reloading since it sounds like the OP doesn’t reload but maybe I’m wrong.
But anyway I tumble outside, separate from the media outside and always wear gloves. I use dryer sheets and also use a shit ton of polishing compound to try and “moisten” the media and cut down on the dust. I don’t wear a mask but I do try to be upwind when I’m emptying the tumbler. Not a bad idea to don a respirator especially if you’re doing this frequently
 
PappyM3 said:
The biggest factor is the lead in the primers. However, if you shoot a lot of 22lr for your league, the exposed lead of 22lr bullets could also be a problem.

Mitigation:
1. Always ensure positive airflow pushing primer lead down range.
2. Wash your hands and face after shooting or handling exposed lead 22lr rounds at home, and/or use “D-lead, D-wipes”
3. Change your clothes when you get home and you can use d-lead laundry detergent.

Now, I only ever really did step 3 when my wife was pregnant or I had a baby at home. But it may be a good step if you’re having issues.
Click to expand...

I have been to some nice indoor ranges, and you end up covered in lead no matter what.

Reading has great ventilation, yet, I can see the smoke lingering.

Also, the floor is full of lead dust, I get it all over my shoes. Same with the bench, get it all over mags, gun, range bag ... whether you see it or not, it is there.

That sh*t goes with you to the car, the rugs at home, the couch, chairs ...

Solution: I never shoot indoors unless I have to do a quick las minute check when it is late and the range is closed. Example: I drop a gun before a competition the following day; I drive to the range that night to do a quick zero check.

To me, the risk of lead poisoning is not worth it.
 
Greg Derr said:
Just a few points; Yes good ventilation is a must on an indoor range.

I found the greatest risk was to the reloader; The priming compound used in firearms is lead styphnate, this is the yellow compound in the primer cup. For reloaders who tumble brass, the action of tumbling breaks this compound up into easily ingestible particles. During the separation process from the media, the particle get airborne and inhaled. You can do a few things to minimize contact. One: never tumble indoors, this sends the dust through your living space. Two: insert a cloths dryer sheet in the tumbling mix, this will allow most small particle to get stuck to the sheet. Three: when sifting or separating the media from the brass-OUTDOORS wear a mask and gloves. The dryer sheet can be put in a baggie and disposed of. Same with the gloves.
Again try to minimize your exposure. Most air handling systems in ranges suck, they just pull air out with little filtration. In winter most folks won't turn them on because it also pulls out the heat in the range. And in ranges that do recycle the air, they barely have a filter system nevermind mind one that has three stages. If you are blowing your nose after a shooting session and it's black, this is a good indication of trouble down the road. Please stay healthy.
Click to expand...

Wet Tumble.
Problem solved.

Or don't clean brass. I stopped cleaning most of my brass after several tests. I will clean some when they get super nasty after 7 or 8 reloads.
 
M1911 said:
Yeah, definitely tumble and sift outdoors. Also, if you have mixed brass and you are sifting the cases through caliber specific sieves, also do that outdoors.
Click to expand...

I remember reading that some reloaders recommended putting automotive liquid wax in with your medium. It didn't make it wet, but created wicking so the lead dust would stick to the medium. As a side effect, the brass came out shiny. I tried it when I was reloading and it did seem to help keeping the dust down. Though you had to change the medium sooner then you'd normally would as it got dirtier faster.
 
Rockrivr1 said:
I remember reading that some reloaders recommended putting automotive liquid wax in with your medium. It didn't make it wet, but created wicking so the lead dust would stick to the medium. As a side effect, the brass came out shiny. I tried it when I was reloading and it did seem to help keeping the dust down. Though you had to change the medium sooner then you'd normally would as it got dirtier faster.
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Yes, that is essentially what I use.
 
Going back a ways I shot in a bullseye league for ~15 years, my sister still is and probably for well over 20 years now.
At one point one of the guys on our team got tested with worrisome lead levels so of course a bunch of us were reasonably concerned and also tested.
Can't remember the exact numbers but I'm going to say maybe a dozen of us tested and just two others came back elevated.
Wasn't a lot of correlation as to who was elevated as far as how frequently they shot or whatever (and being a small/anecdotal test group obviously) but the one common denominator seemed to be reloading.
I was doing a lot of reloading (much of it with uncoated pills) as well as shooting at the time, came in fairly clean and wasn't really taking any special precautions other than the obvious stuff like washing hands. Usually also spent a lot of time in the range on home matches calling lines and staying late to clean up. My sister also tested low with similar exposure time/circumstances, though she wasn't reloading.

As mentioned here already and in retrospect I suspect some of it has to do with individual physiology and how prone you are to absorbing the stuff for whatever reason. I remember the guy who originally tested high was very serious about it and started wearing a respirator and gloves while shooting, quit reloading, investigating other environmental factors, etc and still had a long and difficult time lowering his levels.
 
There was a very nice small gun shop in Southampton MA called Uncle Fred's. They were an authorized service center for Anschütz air guns. Working on air guns is very hazardous for lead exposure.

I bought, sold and transferred many guns through Uncle Fred's, they were very nice people and reasonably priced. His son (maybe step son?) was the guy in back working as the gunsmith. He became ill and it took the doctors a long time to figure out what was wrong with the guy. They finally ended up with a specialist in Boston who diagnosed him with lead poisoning. A lot of doctors apparently dropped the ball before one finally asked what he did for a living. By then the poor guy was a mess, unable to work, they eventually closed the shop.

I am not sure how it all ended up, maybe someone else from western MA remembers the shop and the outcome. All I could find was this, the lawsuit.......... But it does give some of the details of what happened.:(

White v. Uncle Fred's Gun Repair, No, Nos. 022298-03, 022301-03, 022308-03, 023728-03 | Casetext Search + Citator

Read White v. Uncle Fred's Gun Repair, No, Nos. 022298-03, 022301-03, 022308-03, 023728-03, see flags on bad law, and search Casetext’s comprehensive legal database
casetext.com
 

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