Lead exposure in firearms instructors of the Italian State Police

Abstract

Background: Several studies evaluated exposure to lead in relatively small groups of firearms instructors and shooters, mainly operating at indoor ranges.

Objective: To assess the levels of lead exposure in a large sample of firearms instructors of the Italian State Police (SP) operating at either indoor or outdoor ranges.

Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted in firearms instructors working in indoor (No. 188) and outdoor (No. 188) ranges compared with 170 foodplant workers. The personal and work characteristics and current blood lead (Pb-B) levels were evaluated The concentrations of environmental lead (Pb-E) were measured using personal samplers in 6 indoor and 6 outdoor firing ranges.

Results: The Pb-B levels in the two groups of firearms instructors were well below the ACGIH BEI, but significantly higher than in food plant workers. In the entire study sample the Pb-B level was seen to be influenced by age and job group. An excess risk of having Pb-B >100 microg/l was found in indoor range instructors and in those with greater job seniority. Pb-E <25 pg/m3 was measured in all the firing ranges examined.

Discussion: The low Pb-B and Pb-E levels assessed are the result of primary and secondary prevention interventions carried out over the years by the Italian State Police. The current Pb-B levels also seemed to be poorly influenced by higher past environmental and/or occupational lead exposure. In fact a certain number of firearms instructors, mainly operating at indoor ranges and with greater job seniority, had Pb-B levels consistent with occupational exposure to lead. Environmental and biological monitoring of lead exposure and specific health surveillance are therefore still necessary in this job group topreventpossible adverse health effects of lead even at low doses.