Thursday, April 24, 2014

Indoor Firing Ranges Cause Elevated Blood Lead Levels

People using or working around indoor firing ranges are being exposed to lead which can cause harmful health effects. Range owners and patrons should follow available guidance to reduce the exposures. Indoor firing ranges are a source of lead exposure to employees, their families, and range customers.
From 2002–2012, 1,987 employees of law enforcement and amusement/ recreation industries had elevated blood lead levels (BLL), defined as >10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, as reported by the Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology Surveillance Program.
Other workplace investigations in Washington and California have also documented elevated BLLs among firing range employees and found the potential for “take-home” and community exposure to lead. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s lead standard is based on lead toxicity information that is now over 30 years old. Current medical information clearly demonstrates harmful effects at levels well below those allowed in the workplace.

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