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Lead dust exposure is a clear concern for recreational shooters and those who must practice shooting for their occupation, such as law enforcement officers and members of the military. It is a well-known fact that health problems arise when blood lead levels (BLLs) are raised due to lead exposure. This problem began in the 19th century when bullet primers were made from mercury fulminate. It was discovered this substance was too toxic for shooters, so in the early 20th century lead became the new material for primers and has remained the main one since. This poses a great threat to shooters and employees at indoor and outdoor gun ranges to this day.
There are many studies on what happens when humans are exposed to lead dust discharged during the firing of a gun. The NIH’s article, Lead exposure at firing ranges-a review, explains this serious impact on health related to BLL recommendations by the U.S CDC and NIOSH. “Nearly all BLL measurements compiled in the reviewed studies exceed the level of 5 μg/dL recommended by the U.S. CDC/NIOSH, and thus firing ranges, regardless of type and user classification, constitute a significant and currently largely unmanaged public health concern.”
Health Problems Related to Lead Exposure
There are several health concerns caused by lead exposure. Children who are exposed to lead dust are at an even greater risk because their bodies are still developing. Health problems for children include headaches, hearing problems, slowed growth, learning and behavioral difficulties, brain damage, nervous system damage, and lowered IQ. In adults, exposure to lead can cause muscle and joint pain, memory and concentration problems, nerve disorders, hypertension, and reproductive problems for both men and women.
Young women are especially at risk for lead poisoning because when lead accumulates in the blood, it can be absorbed into the bones. This poses a threat to pre-born babies because the lead can remain in the bones for years and “…when a woman becomes pregnant the fetus requires calcium and, depending on the dietary intakes, a proportion of calcium is derived from remodeling of the bones. Skeletal lead stores are released from the remodeling exposing the fetus during critical development windows.”
What About Lead-Free Ammunition?
There have been several attempts to create lead-free ammunition. There are copper-jacket bullets that were thought to have been a better option, but studies found they only showed a minimal reduction of BLLs. The main reason lead free ammunition has not gained popularity is because it just doesn’t work as well. “The results of some tests of the lead-free primers have proven disappointing, with significant variations in ignition timing, peak blast pressure, higher barrel frictions, and reliability in different climate conditions, compared with their lead-based equivalents.” Unfortunately for now, lead-based ammunition is still the most efficient and popular option.
U.S. Lead Dust Regulations for Outdoor Gun Ranges
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a best practices manual for outdoor ranges concerning lead. “The manual explains how environmental laws are applicable to lead management and presents a number of successful best management practices available to the shooting range community. These practices have been proven to effectively reduce lead contamination.”
The Best Management Practices (BMPs) include lead containment, which, for example, using bullet traps to prevent lead dispersion, regular maintenance and cleaning protocols to reduce lead particles in the air, and soil testing so the proper remediation can take place based on lead contamination levels. They also recommend consideration of range design, like environmental factors, layout, and barriers to prevent lead dispersion. Employees are encouraged to be educated on these practices and the health risks associated with lead exposure, so they are aware of their role in keeping everyone safe.
When implemented, these practices reduce lead contamination in soil and water, protect range users and others close by from lead exposure, provide financial benefits to range owners through proper lead recycling techniques, and prevent shooting ranges from being fined by the EPA.
U.S. Lead Dust Regulations for Indoor Shooting Ranges
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established regulations for indoor shooting ranges regarding lead dust. They have set the limit of 50 micrograms of lead per cubic meter of air over an 8-hour day. To comply with the regulations set forth by OSHA, ranges must use proper ventilation systems that reduce lead particles released into the air and use industrial dust control systems that gather dust, so it doesn’t accumulate. These tools must be monitored regularly to ensure the health and safety of workers and patrons.
European Lead-Based Ammunition Regulations for Shooting Ranges
The European Union has proposed banning lead-based ammunition for hunting with a transition period of 5 years. When it comes to shooting ranges in Europe, lead-based ammunition is still allowed, but only if strict regulations are implemented. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is a branch of The European Union that works toward the safe use of chemicals. “Regarding shooting ranges, ECHA has proposed that the use of lead ammunition may continue if they are able to collect annually at least 90% of discharged lead pellets (shots) and/or when shooting ranges are equipped with bullet traps or defined best practice sand traps (centre- and rimfire ammunition).”
The intentions of these proposals are to reduce lead contamination in the environment which will prevent lead exposure to wildlife and humans. While this is a great goal to work towards, it may prove difficult for shooting ranges to implement these strict regulations in the allotted time frame, and the high costs will definitely impact these businesses.
How do U.S. and European Regulations Compare?
While both the U.S. and European governments understand the dangers of lead to the environment and human health, their regulations differ. The European standards seem to be stricter, focusing on prohibiting the use of lead-based ammunition altogether. The U.S. regulations focus more on occupational risk awareness and shooting range employee health and safety.
Tips for Staying Safe from Lead Exposure
If you and your loved ones practice at shooting ranges regularly, there are easy steps you can take to limit lead dust exposure. While these tips will help, there will still always be some lead exposure whether you’re at an indoor or outdoor range, due to the primer and bullet materials still being made of lead. When bullets are discharged, the lead particles disperse throughout the shooting area landing on hands, clothing, and anyone in close range.
Avoiding smoking or eating while at the gun range is a smart way to prevent ingesting miniscule lead particles. If you’re able to wear protective clothing you can change out of once you enter your vehicle, this will help prevent contamination inside. Once you arrive home, change out of all your clothing, wash it, and immediately take a shower. This will ensure you’re not spreading lead dust all over your home and family. Implementing these practices will minimize exposure to lead dust and keep you and your loved ones healthier until a better solution for ammunition materials is discovered.
Sources:
Lead exposure at firing ranges—a review – PMC
What are some of the health effects of lead? | US EPA
Best Management Practices for Lead at Outdoor Shooting Ranges | US EPA
Best Management Practices for Lead at Outdoor Shooting Ranges
Protecting Workers from Lead Hazards at Indoor Firing Ranges
