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Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Preparation and Application of a New Bacterial Biosensor for the Presumptive Detection of Gunshot Residue
Published on: May 9, 2019
[Changes in hygiene standards for lead in the context of indoor shooting range workers exposure]
Adam Daragó1, Anna Kilanowicz1, Joanna Jurewicz2
1Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi, Łódź, Polska (Katedra i Zakład Toksykologii).
Abstract:
A significant increase in the number of indoor shooting ranges for many years in Poland and most European countries is connected with a raising number of people potentially exposed to lead (both employees and users). In recent years, it has been noted that lead exposure poses a significant health risk to both those who professionally use indoor shooting ranges, such as services officers, instructors, and shooting range staff, as well as occasional users. Exposure to lead increased its blood concentrations, which is associated with the risk of serious health effects, primarily affecting the hematopoietic system and the peripheral nervous system. Indoor shooting ranges constitute a significant source of occupational lead exposure for employees and users, primarily through inhalation. Available literature indicates existing health risks associated with working at these facilities, primarily related to the chronic effects of lead poisoning. Lead, although regulated by industry, is not routinely identified as a harmful agent at shooting ranges, resulting in a lack of measurements of lead concentrations in air and blood. The aim of this study was to assess current legal regulations regarding occupational lead exposure in the workplace in relation to exposure of employees at indoor shooting ranges. This study analyzed and summarized the current regulations regarding occupational lead exposure assessment and the literature regarding potential lead exposure at indoor shooting ranges. Due to EU Directive 2024/869 lowering the occupational exposure limit (OEL) and biological limit values (BLV) for lead, it appears necessary to develop guidelines and regulations regulating the exposure of employees at indoor shooting ranges to lead, similar to that in the United States. Lack of identification and reduction of lead exposure at indoor shooting ranges may lead to an increase in occupational disease cases, which poses a significant challenge for both employers and the healthcare system. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(6):499-508.
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