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Lead exposure at uncovered outdoor firing ranges
R L Goldberg1, A M Hicks, L M O'Leary
1Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Shooting instructors at uncovered outdoor ranges face significant lead exposure. Using copper-jacketed ammunition may reduce lead levels and absorption for these workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Environmental toxicology
- Public health
Background:
- Previous studies documented excessive lead exposure in shooting instructors at indoor and covered outdoor firing ranges.
- The potential for lead exposure at uncovered outdoor firing ranges remained less understood.
- Occupational safety for range personnel is a critical public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess lead exposure and absorption among full-time shooting instructors at uncovered outdoor firing ranges.
- To investigate the potential impact of copper-jacketed ammunition on reducing lead exposure in this environment.
Main Methods:
- Air monitoring was conducted to measure airborne lead concentrations.
- Blood lead-level measurements were performed to assess lead absorption in instructors.
- The study focused on full-time shooting instructors employed by the City of Los Angeles.
Main Results:
- Significant lead exposure was confirmed at uncovered outdoor firing ranges.
- Blood lead-level measurements indicated substantial lead absorption by range instructors.
- Preliminary findings suggest copper-jacketed ammunition might lower air lead levels.
Conclusions:
- Uncovered outdoor firing ranges pose a significant risk for lead exposure and absorption to instructors.
- Copper-jacketed ammunition presents a potential mitigation strategy to reduce occupational lead hazards.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy of copper-jacketed ammunition in reducing lead absorption.