AN INVESTIGATION INTO LEAD IN TWO INDOOR SMALL-BORE RIFLE RANGES

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Abstract
Measurements of the lead content of air and accumulated dusts have been made inside two indoor rifle ranges during periods of normal range activity. The results show that lead-in-air levels measured over various time periods ranging from 2 to 12 h can exceed the Health and Safety Executive's Threshold Limit Value of 150 μg m −3 (40 h week, Time Weighted Average) by a substantial margin. Pronounced inter-range differences in average lead-in-air levels were detected. Lead residues in dusts collected from various parts of each range on different sampling days were also high. Inter- and intra-range variations were evident. Attempts have been made to assess the significance of these results for people engaged in rifle shooting activities and for those employed in range supervision. It is concluded that those engaged in rifle range activities could inhale high levels of lead which might result in undesirably high blood lead levels in some range users and staff. It was also noted that, because of the dusty conditions found in ranges, special cleaning procedures should be used if cleaning personnel are to avoid inhalation of redistributed leaded dusts.

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