Respirator when bullet casting?

Stoney · May 23, 2004, 06:53 PM

Should I where a respirator when casting bullets. Do you where any kind of breathing device when you fire up the smelter.

I cast in a garage with plenty of ventilation, but should I take more step's to protect my lungs.

**4V50 Gary** · May 23, 2004, 09:52 PM

I believe there is a mask you can buy, and one of those industrial masks will do, but you have to be fitted for it. Better to do it out doors where the lead fumes won't get all over the garage.

Poodleshooter · May 26, 2004, 04:05 PM

Nope. I just cast outside, and never eat or drink while handling lead without first THOROUGHLY washing using an abrasive soap.
I had my lead levels tested last August, and I was fine.

Jbar4Ranch · May 29, 2004, 01:37 PM

I worked at a lead smelter for 23 years and had a helluva time keeping my blood level down, so during those years, yes, I always wore a respirator when casting. Nowdays, I don't, and my blood lead level is fine, but I'm not at the smelter anymore either.

May 23, 2004, 06:53 PM	#1
Stoney Member Join Date: August 28, 2002 Posts: 56	Respirator when bullet casting? Should I where a respirator when casting bullets. Do you where any kind of breathing device when you fire up the smelter. I cast in a garage with plenty of ventilation, but should I take more step's to protect my lungs.

May 23, 2004, 09:52 PM	#2
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	I believe there is a mask you can buy, and one of those industrial masks will do, but you have to be fitted for it. Better to do it out doors where the lead fumes won't get all over the garage. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

May 29, 2004, 01:37 PM	#4
Jbar4Ranch Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 1999 Location: Near Helena, Montana Posts: 1,719	I worked at a lead smelter for 23 years and had a helluva time keeping my blood level down, so during those years, yes, I always wore a respirator when casting. Nowdays, I don't, and my blood lead level is fine, but I'm not at the smelter anymore either. __________________ Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets replaced... SASS 47015

May 26, 2004, 04:05 PM	#3
Poodleshooter Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2000 Location: Floating down the James River in VA Posts: 2,599	Nope. I just cast outside, and never eat or drink while handling lead without first THOROUGHLY washing using an abrasive soap. I had my lead levels tested last August, and I was fine.