Powder Residue an irritant / allergen?

TXAZ · March 15, 2013, 10:11 AM

Do any of you have any sensitivities to gunpowder residue, or know if that is a common issue? A friend went shooting. A couple hours later they reported a mild case of hives. Not sure if it's related but agreed to ask. I've not heard of this before, and it's not clear something else didn't cause it.

WW2 · March 15, 2013, 02:27 PM

I have allergies to grasses and milk products but gunpowder residue does not bother me.

However, as a precaution I always wash my hands immediately after a range session before I even leave the range. Then, I go straight home and take a shower and put on a fresh set of clothes. If the allergies manifest with sinus reactions, or lung reactions, I recommend using a respirator while shooting; especially in confined indoor ranges.

These precautions should help minimize any effects of allergies to gunpowder residue.

SPEMack618 · March 15, 2013, 02:54 PM

No powder residue reactions, but...

I've noticed that any time I use Rem-Oil anywhere other than outside, like in the garage with the door up, or in the basement with the door open, my nose starts to run uncontronably and I start to sneeze a lot.

TXAZ · March 16, 2013, 12:16 AM

Thanks WW2. The hand washing for the lead alone is worthwhile.

I searched for residue allergies but there is little on the web.
I'd bet it is something totally unrelated (like solvents or consumed food). These appear fairly common.

chris in va · March 16, 2013, 01:34 AM

I have seasonal allergies to trees and various pollens. Gunpowder doesn't bother me, even reloading.

mete · March 16, 2013, 07:37 AM

YES !! The most common should be the additives to the powder like solvents That will show up when you're reloading. Coatings on the powder may add to it .These are chemicals for reducing muzzle flash and blast. Primer chemicals may add to that.
Then come the combustion compounds .
Is the range indoor ? the range can be improved with proper ventilation which will also reduce lead in the air.
Any gun cleaning or lubricating chemical may cause allergic reactions.If you can identify the allergen you can change to another type [of gun oil] for example .Resparators help .

tekarra · March 16, 2013, 02:28 PM

Some of the "additives" to powder may affect some people, but fortunately not me.

**4V50 Gary** · March 16, 2013, 08:28 PM

Some people can, especially to nitrates.

My classmate told me about a friend who OD on blackpowder shooting. Now he's allergic to black powder. Oh, the humanity!

March 15, 2013, 10:11 AM	#1
TXAZ Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Location: TEXAS! Posts: 812	Powder Residue an irritant / allergen? Do any of you have any sensitivities to gunpowder residue, or know if that is a common issue? A friend went shooting. A couple hours later they reported a mild case of hives. Not sure if it's related but agreed to ask. I've not heard of this before, and it's not clear something else didn't cause it. __________________ !أنا لست إرهابي

March 15, 2013, 02:54 PM	#3
SPEMack618 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2010 Location: Boy Scout Camp Posts: 1,261	No powder residue reactions, but... I've noticed that any time I use Rem-Oil anywhere other than outside, like in the garage with the door up, or in the basement with the door open, my nose starts to run uncontronably and I start to sneeze a lot. __________________ "Growing up as both a Southern and the son of a child of the '50s, I was imprinted with several things that have long stuck with me. The F-86 Saber Jet was the finest fighter ever flown, the National League is always superior, and Leslie Coffelt was the finest revovler shooter since Mr. Ed."

March 16, 2013, 12:16 AM	#4
TXAZ Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Location: TEXAS! Posts: 812	Thanks WW2. The hand washing for the lead alone is worthwhile. I searched for residue allergies but there is little on the web. I'd bet it is something totally unrelated (like solvents or consumed food). These appear fairly common. __________________ !أنا لست إرهابي Last edited by TXAZ; March 16, 2013 at 07:05 AM.

March 16, 2013, 07:37 AM	#6
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 4,944	YES !! The most common should be the additives to the powder like solvents That will show up when you're reloading. Coatings on the powder may add to it .These are chemicals for reducing muzzle flash and blast. Primer chemicals may add to that. Then come the combustion compounds . Is the range indoor ? the range can be improved with proper ventilation which will also reduce lead in the air. Any gun cleaning or lubricating chemical may cause allergic reactions.If you can identify the allergen you can change to another type [of gun oil] for example .Resparators help . __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

March 16, 2013, 08:28 PM	#8
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 15,535	Some people can, especially to nitrates. My classmate told me about a friend who OD on blackpowder shooting. Now he's allergic to black powder. Oh, the humanity! __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

March 16, 2013, 01:34 AM	#5
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 11,723	I have seasonal allergies to trees and various pollens. Gunpowder doesn't bother me, even reloading.

March 16, 2013, 02:28 PM	#7
tekarra Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2007 Posts: 1,040	Some of the "additives" to powder may affect some people, but fortunately not me.