Shooting ranges can be a significant source of lead exposure to children. Airborne lead dust generated by shooting ranges may be inhaled or ingested directly or carried back into the home by family members. Simple safety precautions can greatly reduce the risk of childhood lead poisoning.
Shooting ranges, like other businesses that deal with hazardous materials, should be monitored for health and safety. Shooting range operators should insure the safety of their customers and employees by:
- Posting warning signs about the hazardous nature of lead bullets,
- providing customers and employees with instruction on proper precautions to limit their exposure to lead, and
- providing adequate ventialtion systems.
More data is needed. Currently, there is no monitoring of Minnesota shooting ranges with regard to air quality. Shooting range workers should have periodic blood tests for lead. In order to evaluate the role of shooting ranges as a source of lead exposure for children, family members of a child with an elevated blood lead level should be asked about their participation in shooting sports.
Q & A
How are children exposed to lead at shooting ranges?
Shooting ranges may have high airborne lead levels from lead particles scraped off the bullet as it passes through the gun barrel, exploding lead styphnate primers and from dust created when the bullet strikes the target or backstop.
How do children become poisoned by lead?
Lead is absorbed into the bloodstream as a result of ingesting food, soil or dust particles or inhaling lead particles directly at ranges. Adults may contaminate their homes and cars with lead particles that settle on hair and clothing which are later picked up by children.
What are the risks of lead poisoning?
Lead is a highly toxic element that, when absorbed, can cause damage to the brain, kidney and reproductive systems. It is particularly harmful to developing fetuses and young children who can develop irreversible neurological damage including mental retardation. No level of lead absorption is safe.
Are there any documented cases of lead poisoning in children from shooting ranges?
A New England Journal of Medicine report documented a case of elevated blood lead levels in four girls who were competitive marksmen (1999). Rifle ranges in five Lancaster County, Pennsylvania high schools were closed after they were found to be the source of lead poisoning of at least one student (November, 1999).