Saf Health Work.  2019 Mar;10(1):87-94. 10.1016/j.shaw.2018.05.006.

Occupational Exposure to Metals in Shooting Ranges: A Biomonitoring Study

• Vandebroek E
• Haufroid V
• Smolders E
• Hons L
• Nemery B

• KMID: 2447328
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2018.05.006

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Lead (Pb) exposure in shooting ranges has been reduced by various measures such as jacketed ammunition and lead-free primers. Nevertheless, this may lead to exposure to other metals, potentially resulting in adverse health effects.
METHODS
In a cross-sectional study, 35 subjects from seven different shooting ranges were studied: four shooting instructors, 10 police officers, 15 Special Forces, and six maintenance staff members. Metals and metalloids were determined in blood and urine by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.
RESULTS
The concentrations of most elements did not differ significantly between groups or compared to reference values, except for Sb and Pt in urine and Pb in blood. Mean values for Sb were considerably higher in urine from the Special Forces (0.34 Î¼g/L), the maintenance staff (0.13 Î¼g/L), and shooting instructors (0.32 Î¼g/L) compared to the police officers before shooting (0.06 Î¼g/L) and a Belgian reference value (0.04 Î¼g/L). For Pt, the Special Forces showed higher mean urinary concentrations (0.078 Î¼g/L) compared to a Belgian reference value (<0.061 Î¼g/L). Mean values for blood lead were markedly higher in the Special Forces (3.9 Î¼g/dL), maintenance staff (5.7 Î¼g/dL), and instructors (11.7 Î¼g/dL) compared to police officers (1.4 Î¼g/dL). One instructor exceeded the biological exposure index for blood Pb (38.8 Î¼g/dL).
CONCLUSION
Since both Pb and Sb were found to be higher in shooting range employees, especially among frequent shooters, it is advisable to provide appropriate protective equipment, education, and medical follow-up for shooting range personnel in addition to careful choice of ammunition.

Keyword

Biomonitoring; Metals; Occupational health

MeSH Terms

Cross-Sectional Studies
Education
Environmental Monitoring*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Metalloids
Metals*
Occupational Exposure*
Occupational Health
Police
Reference Values
Spectrum Analysis
Metalloids
Metals