Lesson 6: Firearm Cleaning and Lead Awareness
In this lesson you will learn about basic pistol cleaning and the dangers of lead. You will also learn about preventative measures to combat lead contamination. There is no Check On Learning or Discussion Questions for this lesson.
Basic Pistol Cleaning
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The Dangers Of Lead
Firearm safety is key for people who use weapons at work or for recreational shooting. But one risk has been little acknowledged: Lead dust exposure.
In a standard bullet, a solid lead core wrapped in a copper jacket sits atop a stack of gunpowder and lead primer. When the gun fires, the primer ignites, the gunpowder lights, and some of the lead on the bullet boils. When the casing snaps out of the ejection port, lead particles trail behind it. As the bullet hurtles down the barrel of the gun, a shower of lead particles follows.
If a gun range isn't ventilated well, lead dust collects on shooters' clothing and hands and lingers in the air, where it can be inhaled. The more people shoot, the greater the risk of being exposed to dangerous amounts of lead. It becomes an occupational hazard for weapons instructors, police and defense personnel.
Fighting Lead Exposure
Be sure to wear gloves when cleaning your firearm. Also clean your firearms on a mat or towel in an area away from food and children.
Wash your hands with d-lead soap after handling firearms.
Use D-Wipes to wipe down any surfaces that come into contact with your firearm.
Sources:
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/05/10/527648768/lead-dust-from-firearms-can-pose-a-silent-health-risk
https://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/happen-dont-clean-gun/