My soon-to-be daughter-in-law, who is a police officer (as is my son),
reported this morning that she has been told that when she has a baby, she
will have to stop breastfeeding when she returns to work because she must
handle lead bullets and that "could get in her milk and be dangerous to the
baby".
Aside from the fact that only the tips are lead, the cartridge cases holding
them are not, and they are only handled when loading or unloading a gun.  I
would think that washing her hands after handling these would be sufficient.
And, while she would be placed on desk duty while pregnant, she'd still be
armed and handling cartridges during the time that baby would be most
vulnerable during gestation, IF there is any significant absorption of lead
from handling same.
My husband commented that there would be more risk from breathing in
particles and gases while doing required practice at the range, and that this
would be a hazard to all, not just pregnant or lactating women.
Has anyone ever worked with a police officer who has been told this?  Any
comments on lead absorption from this source?  Any references she can take to
the powers that be?
Thanks in advance from me, my DIL, and my future grandchild!
Flossie Rollhauser, IBCLC, RLC

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