EXPOSURE TO LEAD CONCERNS AND SOLUTIONS Better to read the facts here before some newspaper prints a story based on perceptions, statistically flawed data, or outright mis-information. The original manuscript for this article was provided by: Mr. Jim Perkins - Seminole, Florida, and has been modified for the BBS by NRA Range Development. This article is presented on the BBS to inform readers of the facts associated with atmospheric lead hazards associated with the use of shooting ranges, primarily indoor firing ranges. Lead Mention the word lead and every shooter within earshot thinks of bullets or shot. Non-shooters think of car batteries, lead based paint, lead in gasoline, ammunition, lead in solder, and other uses. They tend to lump all lead into one category which is an error. Whatever the application, lead in gas, solder, and paint is a different category and must be treated differently than that used for fishing sinkers, leaded glass art- work, antique pewter, bullets and shot. Lead is the most ubiquitous element found in our environment. However, to put things in their proper perspective, shooters deal with lead in the metallic form, except for lead in primers which is a compound. Residual Lead Levels in Humans Up until about 1980, the average American would, by the age of 20, have attained an average residual blood level of between 12 to 20 micrograms per deciliter (æg/dl) of whole blood from various sources. Today we find that these levels have receded and rather dramatically to levels between 4 to 6 micrograms per deciliter. This reduction is attributed to a dramatic increase in public awareness of the health risks associated with lead exposure. However, that doesn't mean that we should no longer be concerned, especially frequent users of Indoor Firing Ranges. The current acceptable level for adults is 25 æg/dl, whereas for children, the CDC has lowered the limit to 10 æg/dl. Generally, lead exposure is attributed to the two biggest known sources of exposure, lead based paint in older homes, and tetraethyl lead, a gasoline additive. The latter being phased out completely by 1995. Our primary concern is atmospheric lead generated on firing ranges. Children who have never seen a gun range before can have elevated blood lead levels from a variety of sources, most not related to shooting ranges. However, it is both controversial, as well as emotional when we speak of exposure situations and children are involved. Exposure Situations for Shooters With lead being so commonplace, one might think that shooters, or persons frequenting shooting ranges would have elevated levels of lead in their bloodstream, some do while others do not. There are various reasons, but generally, lead ingestion/inhalation is dependant upon how much airborne lead is generated on a given firing range, what engineering controls are in place and the individual. Exposure to any form of lead, be it in paint, plumbing, or generated on firing ranges, especially over long periods of time, and in quantities that exceed the body's ability to expel it, can have an adverse effect on one's health. Generation of Atmospheric Lead on Indoor Firing Ranges 1. The lead styphnate in the primer, 2. Melting of bullet base by hot powder gasses, 3. Shaving of lead when the bullet enters the forcing cone, 4. Abrasion of the bullet as it passes through the barrel, 5. Bullet fragmentation at the backstop. To protect shooters from this source of exposure, the use of ventilation equipment (engineering controls) is necessary, as well as administrative controls which limit the amount of time a person spends on the range. So Why are Ranges Closed? Most ranges are closed simply because of the perceived hassles and costs associated with testing and redesign of ventilation systems. The problem centers on the fact that most of the solutions offered have been aimed at the design or development of a 100 percent effective ventilation system. Part of the blame also lies with commercial enterprises who claim to be ventilation experts, but are only out to sell ventilation equipment, that may or may not work. Few ranges have been closed as a result of their failing a properly conducted test or evaluation of the facility and its overall use. To quell the hysteria...collect the facts Contrary to popular opinion, lead poisoning of those who use indoor firing ranges is not widespread, nor does it exist in epidemic proportions. Where lead poisoning of range workers has occurred, the reasons have almost always been attributable to the lack of a proper health monitoring program, and administrative controls. Also contrary to some opinions, elevated blood lead levels can be treated with little or no side effects by simple reducing or eliminating exposure and instilling proper dietary habits and nutrition. Any treatment other than that mentioned should be undertaken only under the direct supervision of a physician/medical doctor. Toxicity Lead is a cumulative poison which may affect blood, heart and immune systems, if the amount of uptake into the body exceeds the ability to expel it. Persons with nervous system or gastrointestinal disorders, anemia or chronic bronchitis may be at significant risk from such exposure. Carcinogenicity Humans: There is insufficient evidence to support this contention. However, in animals, there is evidence that suggests there may be a level at which it becomes a carcinogen. Renal tumors were produced in animals by lead acetate, sub-acetate and phosphate given orally, subcutaneously, and intraperitoneally, no evaluation could be made of the carcinogenicity of powdered lead. Lead Exposure and Indoor Ranges It is the view of the National Rifle Association that indoor ranges represent a special exposure situation based on ù Duration of exposure ù Concentration of airborne lead (measured) ù Age of participants ù Nutrition ù Diet ù Personal Hygiene Cleaning an indoor range by dry sweeping is prohibited. Wet mopping, hydro-wash and dry HEPA vacuum will clean up most of the lead particulate, and is considered as part of the overall maintenance program. Air handling equipment designed specifically for each range and specialized equipment are required to clean indoor ranges to a point that exposure levels are reduced and/or eliminated. Vacuums with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are required to clean up lead particulate. Outdoor ranges Shooters frequenting outdoor ranges are subject to far less exposure and effects on their health than that of indoor shooters. The possibility of lead contamination at outdoor ranges can be attributed to the following: ù Drinking ù Eating ù Smoking or any combination of these, when proper hygiene is not practiced. By following a few simple steps, shooters can dramatically reduce the possibility of ingesting or inhaling lead in the body system. ù Personal Hygiene--wash hand before eating anything ù Change clothes and/or footwear before entering home. ù Wash range clothes after each use. ù Open door or windows or turn on fans and thoroughly ventilate bullet casting or smelter operations ù Shooters can minimize the potential of lead absorption and distribution of lead within the body through proper nutrition. Diet coupled with limiting exposure times are solutions for anyone exposed to airborne lead. Bibliography 1. EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO AIRBORNE LEAD ON USERS OF INDOOR FIRING RANGES. Published by "The National Rifle Association of America", 1990. 2. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS) 1992. As required by: Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 3. LEAD BASED PAINT DETECTION AND ABATEMENT GUIDELINES, 1992. Published by the Georgia Institute of Technology 4. INSIDE P.A. (Weekly Report Vol. 11, No 16, April 20, 1990) For more information and a brochure dealing specifically with indoor firing ranges call 1-202-828-6190.