Lead poisoning is a serious issue that is mainly found among people closely associated with firing ranges including employees & regular target shooters.
Sources of Lead Contamination
Ammunitions which are used in both indoor and outdoor gun ranges are mostly made from lead. Tons of lead is used every day to make ammunitions for shooting ranges. Much of this lead is left as such at the shooting range. A recent study showed that outdoor gun ranges are a major source of environmental pollution. Indoor ranges were also found to be a sourceof lead poisoning among people who are closely associated with them.
Contamination from outdoor ranges occurs mainly due to lead bullets & pellets fired into berms or over waterways. Indoor ranges also pose serious risk of lead poisoning where the contamination occurs directly from vaporized lead that is suspended in the air and from lead contaminated food.
Symptoms and Effects
Symptoms of lead poisoning include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, kidney problems, headache, poor appetite and weight loss, anemia and lethargy, etc. Lead accumulated in the body may result in long term chronic effects. It is especially dangerous to young children and fetuses. It can have more serious effects on their bodies and neurological systems.
- It affects Impulsive and destructive behavior.
- It destroys nervous system, blood forming systems, urinary, reproductive and various organs in human body.
- It can damage the brain causing decreased intelligence, seizures, coma and death.
Safety Measures
There are a number of safety measures which can be adopted by a shooter or any person who is likely to be directly exposed to lead at firing ranges range. They are:
- Immediately change clothing before leaving the range.
- Wash the clothes used in shooting ranges separately.
- Wear special footwear to use at the ranges. Take precaution not to use this footwear at home. It should also be carried separately.
- Shower or bathe immediately at range or aftergetting home to remove the lead residues from your hair and body.
Shooters at both indoor and outdoor gun ranges are advised to wear some form of eye protection for multiple reasons, including lead absorption in the mucous membranes of the eye. Prescription glasses or safety goggles are helpful protection.
Beware of lead poisoning risks at firing ranges. Request a free quote for firing range lead reclamation service from MT2. Call 1.888.435.6645 now!
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