I shoot lead shot all the time to take fowl and small game and eat what I shoot most the time (the pine squirrels I do not eat). I pick the lead shot out and take my chances with what I don't see. So far I am still kicking. The worst is like mentioned, biting down on a small piece of shot.

I can remember when we were kids we'd cast lead sinkers for river fishing, and most of the time they were crimped on with our teeth, or held in our mouths while we monkeyed around. I am not advocating the chewing of lead or exposure to it. But I cast all the time, and all I do is make sure to wash my hands afterward, and breath lots of fresh air. Same with shooting in the range.. wash my hands good after handling lead projectiles.