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Is There a Relationship between Lead Exposure and Aggressive Behavior in Shooters?
Nisha Naicker1,2,3,4, Pieter de Jager5,6, Shan Naidoo7
1Environment & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 87373, Houghton, Johannesburg 2041, South Africa. nisha.naicker@gmail.com.
Summary
Shooters exhibit higher blood lead levels (BLL) and aggression than archers. Elevated BLLs in shooters are linked to increased hostility, suggesting a need for lead exposure prevention and screening.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neurotoxicology
- Psychology
Background:
- Lead exposure is a known risk factor for psycho-neurological disorders.
- Elevated blood lead levels (BLL) have been previously observed in individuals participating in shooting sports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between blood lead levels and aggression in shooters.
- To compare BLL and aggression levels between shooters and archers.
Main Methods:
- An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Gauteng, South Africa.
- 118 participants (87 shooters, 31 archers) were recruited from shooting and archery ranges.
- Aggressiveness was assessed using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire; BLLs were measured.
Main Results:
- Shooters presented significantly higher BLLs than archers (79.8% vs 22.6% with BLL ≥ 5 μg/dL, p < 0.001).
- Shooters reported significantly higher aggression scores overall (p < 0.05), excluding verbal aggression.
- Shooters with BLLs ≥ 10 μg/dL showed a significant association with the hostility sub-scale (aOR 2.83, p = 0.03).
Conclusions:
- Shooters demonstrate elevated BLLs and aggression compared to archers.
- Higher BLLs in shooters are specifically associated with increased hostility.
- Interventions to mitigate lead exposure and routine screening for at-risk populations are recommended.
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