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Lead absorption in indoor firing range users.

S E Valway·J W Martyny·J R Miller·M Cook·E J Mangione
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Abstract

To determine if users of indoor firing ranges may be at risk from lead exposure, we studied a law enforcement trainee class during three months of firearms instruction. Blood lead levels were obtained before training and at four-week intervals during training. Air lead levels were measured three times during instruction. Blood lead levels rose from a pre-training mean of 0.31 mumol/L to 2.47 mumol/L. Mean air lead levels were above 2,000 micrograms/m3, more than 40 times the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's standard of 50 micrograms/m3. Cumulative exposure to lead and the change in blood lead were positively correlated. Control measures need to be studied to determine their efficacy in decreasing or eliminating this health risk.

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Air PollutantsColoradoEnvironmental ExposureFirearmsHumansLeadPorphyrinsTime FactorsVentilationJournal ArticleResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

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S E Valway, J W Martyny, J R Miller, M Cook, E J Mangione. 1989. Lead absorption in indoor firing range users.. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.79.8.1029

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