# Hygiene on the Range

Part of the Rifle Shooting Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/rifle-shooting/guide/index.md)

*1. Safety and Responsibility*

> **1h.** Explain to your counselor the proper hygienic guidelines followed while shooting.

Lead is the primary health hazard on a shooting range. When a cartridge fires, lead from the bullet and the primer vaporizes and becomes airborne fine particles that settle on skin, clothing, and surfaces. Lead is a cumulative toxin—it builds up in the body over time, and it is especially harmful to children and adolescents. Following good hygiene on the range is not just courtesy; it protects your long-term health.

## Before Shooting

- Tie back long hair and wear close-fitting clothing to reduce surface area for particles to cling to.
- Avoid eating or drinking on the range—lead particles on hands go directly into your mouth.

## While Shooting

- Keep your mouth closed during firing, especially on indoor ranges where ventilation carries particles toward shooters.
- Avoid touching your face with your hands after handling ammunition or a firearm.
- Do not handle food, drinks, or lip balm while on an active range.

## After Shooting

- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, paying attention to under fingernails, before eating, drinking, or touching your face. This is the single most important step.
- Change clothes after an extended range session if possible, especially if you will be around young children at home.
- Shower and wash your hair after significant range time.
- Do not re-wear range clothing around infants or young children without washing it first—they are more vulnerable to lead exposure.

## Indoor vs. Outdoor Ranges

Indoor ranges have higher concentrations of airborne lead because ventilation is limited. Outdoor ranges with good air movement are lower-risk but still require hand washing afterward.

## Air Rifle Exception

If you are doing Option B (air rifle), lead exposure is much lower because air rifles use lower-velocity projectiles and do not have primer-based propellant. However, lead pellets still leave residue on your hands, so the same post-shooting hand washing rules apply.

## For Your Counselor

Be prepared to explain the source of lead exposure on a range (primer and bullet vapor), when it is most critical to wash hands, and why food and drinks do not belong at the firing line.

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