Oxidized Balls.

[Brazos John]

In another thread (I didn't want to hijack it), a poster warned a new shooter to wear rubber (or some kind of) gloves before handling lead balls that had white oxidation on them.
Is the oxidation dangerous, more so than just the lead balls it is on?
What are the concerns?

 

[Codger Craig Wilcox]

The white is lead oxide (like rusty lead). It picks up and transfers very easily, but is easily removed in a rock tumbler or a brass cartridge tumbler. Do wash hands well after handling the balls - lead is a poison.

 

[Versanaut]

I believe it is the same danger. Just WAY easier to transfer into your system as the white oxidation comes off so easily. Easier to get more in your system.

 

[TreeMan]

Just spray some WD-40 on those crusty balls of yours. Roll them around on an old rag and the crusty will come right off.

 

[leadhoarder]

I know I handled lots of fishing weights that were oxidized when I was a kid and probably ate lunch after handling them too.

 

[BillRob]

I can't even guess how many lead split shot I bit to tighten-up on a fishing line as a kid. Well - - maybe that explains some things...

 

[Hawk54]

I can't even guess how many lead split shot I bit to tighten-up on a fishing line as a kid. Well - - maybe that explains some things...

I used lead twist sinkers trout fishing growing up. Lead split shot for walleye fishing. Couldn't begin to imagine all the lead I have handled.

 

[Nor Cal Mikie]

Just spray some WD-40 on those crusty balls of yours.

Or, change you shorts... Oh wait, wrong balls.

 

[Hawk54]

Or, change you shorts... Oh wait, wrong balls.

Soap and water.

 

[Nor Cal Mikie]

Soap and water.

Sounds just like my Mom. But if I wash my hands after handling everything, I won't have time to play.
A little WD 40 before hand "should" keep the frost away.

 

[DuncNZ]

I have noticed that the white crust slightly increases the diameter of the balls which can make them hard to load in some instances .

 

[david w]

The white powder substance can go air borne and inhaled. Spraying them down with WD-40 or Ballistol is encouraged. I always wash my hands with de-lead soap after handling my cast bullets, or after a range session. Wash in warm, not hot water!

d-lead soap

 

[toot]

Just spray some WD-40 on those crusty balls of yours. Roll them around on an old rag and the crusty will come right off.

I SPRAYED WD-40 on my old crusty / fuzzy balls and it worked. thanks!

 

[toot]

The white powder substance can go air borne and inhaled. Spraying them down with WD-40 or Ballistol is encouraged. I always wash my hands with de-lead soap after handling my cast bullets, or after a range session. Wash in warm, not hot water!

d-lead soap

help me, just what is de-lead soap? never herd of it?

 

[Erwan]

Is the oxidation dangerous, more so than just the lead balls it is on?
What are the concerns?

Yes, this is more toxic by manipulations in hands, but you can eliminate this by boiling the balls or bullets in white vinegar...

 

[david w]

help me, just what is de-lead soap? never herd of it?

I provided a link. It allegedly removes heavy metals from your hands. I buy it by the gallon, it can be had in smaller sizes.

https://www.amazon.com/Hand-Soap-Ho..._2?keywords=d-lead+soap&qid=1648857393&sr=8-2

 

[toot]

david w, thank you for the rapid reply to my question. as I stated I have never heard of it. I will now buy some of the product for sure. thanks again toot.

 

[toot]

it will fill a void when removing lead from my hands when casting / running RB'S using lead also.

 

[tom_in_vt]

It’s my understanding that the oxidation is dangerous because it readily becomes airborne (think of the white surface becoming airborne dust) and is inhaled. Lead is readily absorbed this way.

 

[tom_in_vt]

The white powder substance can go air borne and inhaled. Spraying them down with WD-40 or Ballistol is encouraged. I always wash my hands with de-lead soap after handling my cast bullets, or after a range session. Wash in warm, not hot water!

d-lead soap

This is what I do as well.