Indoor Firing Ranges and Elevated Blood Lead Levels — United States, 2002–2013
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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