Lead exposure may occur at an indoor firing range. This may be significant if standards at the firing range are suboptimum. Proper management can allow indoor shooting to be a safe sport or hobby.
The degree of lead exposure correlates with the amount of lead dust in the environment. Lead dust may form from:
(1) fragmentation of lead bullets
(2) friction of bullets with gun barrels
(3) use of lead-based primers in bullets
Some black powder enthusiasts cast their own bullets. Since this involves melting lead there is a risk of lead vapor inhalation if no safety measures are taken.
Range Factor
Reduced Risk
Increased Risk
clean-up
wet mop or HEPA filtered vacuum
dry sweeping with dust aerosols generated
bullet selection
copper jacketed
soft lead
ventilation systems
adequate, with separate systems for firing lanes
poor
range maintenance
regular and adequate following guidelines
infrequent and/or inadequate
If there are any questions about the indoor range blood levels of employees and frequent shooters should be measured.
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