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Lead has been a popular material for projectiles in target shooting for centuries. Its malleability and density make it an ideal material for bullets, pellets, and other projectiles that can accurately hit a target. Despite the advantages of lead projectiles, there are potential health risks associated with lead toxicity that must be considered when using them. This article will discuss the history of lead projectiles in target shooting, the advantages of lead projectiles, the possible health risks of lead toxicity, and basic precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of lead toxicity. Additionally, we will discuss the proposed UK lead ban for shooting.
History of Lead Projectiles in Target Shooting
The use of lead projectiles in target shooting can be traced back to the 1400s, when lead balls were used in early firearms. Lead's high density made it ideal for long-range shooting, and its softness meant that it could deform on impact, causing greater damage to the target. Today, lead projectiles are still the most popular choice for target shooting due to their accuracy and affordability.
Advantages of Lead Projectiles
One of the main advantages of lead projectiles is their high density, which allows them to travel further and maintain their accuracy over long distances. Additionally, lead projectiles are soft and deformable, which means that they can expand on impact, causing greater damage to the target. This makes them an ideal choice for hunters and target shooters alike.
Possible Health Risks of Lead Toxicity
Despite the advantages of lead projectiles, there are potential health risks associated with lead toxicity that must be considered. Lead is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time, leading to a range of health problems. Exposure to lead can cause headaches, fatigue, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. Long-term exposure to lead can lead to more serious health problems, such as anemia, kidney damage, and neurological damage.
Basic Precautions to Reduce the Risk of Lead Toxicity
There are several basic precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of lead toxicity when using lead projectiles. These include:
Range Ventilation: The range should have adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of lead dust and fumes. If indoors ensure the extractor fans are turned on at least half an hour before you start shooting. - JSP 403 Handbook - Defence Land-Ranges-Safety
Regular Cleaning: Of the Range, firearms and shooting equipment should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of lead residue. JSP 403 Handbook - Defence Land-Ranges-Safety
Not Eating or Drinking on the Range: Food and drinks should not be consumed on the range to prevent ingestion of lead dust and residue. Save for closed water bottles are permitted for drinks, to prevent dehydration durring competitions.
Wash Hands with Soap and Cold Water: Hands should be washed with soap and cold water immediately after leaving the range, before eating, drinking, or going home.
Wash Shooting Clothes: Wash your shooting clothes regularly to avoid a build up of lead dust and residue.
Proposed UK Lead Ban for Shooting
The UK government has proposed a ban on the use of lead ammunition for all shooting activities, including target shooting, by 2025. This is due to concerns over the impact of lead on wildlife and the environment. While lead is not directly toxic to wildlife, it can accumulate in the environment and lead to health problems for animals and humans alike. The proposed ban has been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that alternatives to lead ammunition are not yet widely available or affordable.
At the time of writing, the understanding is that lead will be able to continue to be allowed to be used on Ranges where 90% plus of the lead used can be recovered for a transitional period.
Ultimately, lead projectiles have been a popular choice for target shooting for centuries due to their accuracy and affordability. However, there are potential health risks associated with lead toxicity that must be considered. Basic precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of lead toxicity, including range ventilation, regular cleaning, not eating or drinking on the range, and washing hands with soap and cold water. The proposed UK lead ban for shooting highlights the need to consider the impact of lead on the environment and wildlife, and the need to explore alternatives to lead ammunition.