Lead exposure during recreational use of small bore rifle ranges

Following detection of symptomatic lead toxicity in two users of an indoor small bore rifle range, we studied users of several similar facilities to determine if significant recreational lead exposure occurred.

Red cell lead levels were measured at the end of a six month (winter) indoor shooting season and prior to commencement of shooting in the following year. Lead levels in air and dust sampled at one range were also measured.

REd cell lead levels were elevated at the end of season (mean 2.64 mumol/L) and lower (mean 1.60 mumol/L) in the preseason samples. The average red cell lead level of the male shooters was 2.4 times normal and is comparable to the levels found in many occupationally exposed groups. Maximum air lead levels were 210 micrograms/m3, more than 2 times the Department of Labour OSH workplace exposure standard TWA of 100 micrograms/m3. Analysis of dust samples showed that dust at this range contained 24% to 36% lead.

Although the mean time spent shooting was only 70 minutes per week the blood lead levels are similar to those previously reported for full time instructors at pistol ranges. This data confirms that lead exposure in recreational users of indoor small bore rifle ranges is a significant problem.