Small Arms Ammunition -

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

CAUTION! Explosive. Keep away from heat. Do not subject to mechanical shock. Particles from firing may be harmful if inhaled. Do not take internally. Eye: Contact with large volumes of smoke may cause minor eye irritation. Skin: Elemental and inorganic lead compounds are not absorbed through the skin. Ingestion: Acute ingestion of lead may occur from poor personal hygiene associated with the handling of lead bearing materials. The effects of lead ingestion would be similar to those listed under acute inhalation in addition to gastrointestinal irritation. Chronic ingestion of lead may occur from poor personal hygiene associated with the handling of lead bearing materials. The effects of lead ingestion would be similar to those listed under chronic inhalation. Note: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or smoking. Inhalation: Inhalation of gases and particulates produced while firing ammunition may result in mild throat, eye, upper respiratory and lung irritation. The irritant effects may lead to lung symptoms such as bronchitis. An over exposure to gases or particulates, as a result of lead in the particulates, may also cause: anemia; nervous system symptoms which may include irritability, headache, restlessness, fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle tremor, convulsions, loss of memory, visual and hearing disturbances, loss of coordination; gastrointestinal effects such as vomiting, colic, diarrhea or constipation; circulatory symptoms such as a drop in blood pressure; reproductive effects including fertility problems, birth defects, miscarriages and possible kidney damage. Prolonged repeated over exposure to fired cartridge gases and particulates, as a result of lead in the particulates, may result in elevated blood lead levels and elevated zinc protoporphyrin levels. Symptoms of chronic overexposure to lead may include: anemia; lead lines on the gums; nervous system symptoms which may include irritability, headache, restlessness, fatigue, muscle weakness (i.e. wrist drop), muscle tremor, convulsions, loss of memory, visual and hearing disturbances, loss of coordination; gastrointestinal effects such as weight loss, vomiting, colic, diarrhea, constipation; circulatory symptoms such as a drop in blood pressure; reproductive effects including fertility problems, birth defects, miscarriages and possible kidney damage. If acute or chronic symptoms should appear, contact a physician. Blood lead and zinc protoporphryn levels are recommended and should be monitored as per

Potential chronic health

See above. Other: Lead and barium are toxic metals that may be released during the firing of primers. Care should be taken in the cleaning of range facilities to minimize the exposure potential to lead and barium. Persons engaged in these activities should wear protective clothing with an appropriate respirator. Range operators should consult

Cancer information

NTP: No