Chronic Lead Intoxication at an Indoor Firing Range in Taiwan

Chau, Tang-Tat; Chen, Wang-Yi; Hsiao, Tsun-Wen; Liu, Hong‐Wen

doi:10.3109/15563659509028926

Cited by 9 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 5 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…From the mid-1970s to mid-1990s, several studies focused on shooters exposed to lead, both indoor and outdoor at shooting ranges (Anderson et al, 1977;Chau et al, 1995;Fischbein, 1992;Landrigan et al, 1975;Novotny et al, 1987;Svensson et al, 1992). In the majority of these studies, elevated levels of lead in the bloodstream and symptoms of lead exposure were observed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Health effects after firing small arms comparing leaded and unleaded ammunition

Voie¹,

Borander²,

Sikkeland³

et al. 2014

Inhalation Toxicology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A number of Norwegian soldiers have reported health problems after live-fire training using the HK416 rifle. The objective of this study was to characterize gaseous and particulate emissions from three different types of ammunition, and record the health effects after exposure to emissions from live-firing. Fifty-five healthy, non-smoking men (mean age 40 years) were recruited and divided randomly into three groups, one for each type of ammunition. All subjects fired the HK416 rifle in a semi-airtight tent for 60 min using leaded ammunition, unleaded ammunition and modified unleaded ammunition. Gaseous and particulate emissions were monitored within the tent. The symptoms experienced by the subjects were recorded immediately after and the day after firing using a standardized questionnaire. The concentrations of particulate matter and copper exceeded their respective occupational exposure limits (eight hours per day, five days a week) by a factor of 3 and 27, respectively. Of the 55 subjects, 54 reported general and respiratory symptoms. The total number of symptoms reported was significantly higher among shooters using unleaded ammunition as compared with the use of leaded and modified unleaded ammunition. Copper was the substance that had the highest concentration relative to its toxicity. Although the general symptoms were found to be consistent with the development of metal fume fever, the respiratory symptoms indicated an irritant effect of the airways different from that seen in metal fume fever. More symptoms were reported when unleaded ammunition was used compared with leaded and modified unleaded ammunition.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Health effects after firing small arms comparing leaded and unleaded ammunition

Voie¹,

Borander²,

Sikkeland³

et al. 2014

Inhalation Toxicology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Most intoxicated patients have shown distal limb weakness, especially in the upper extremities and wrist drop in more severe cases. In addition to anemia, and a pigment line is noted in the subgingival area [35,36,39]. However, Pb intoxication has been much reduced since the 2000s due to the successful performance of a Pb-surveillance program and government-led cessation of the use of Pb-containing gasoline [45].…”

Section: The Export-oriented Industrial Period (Post 1960s)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational Neurotoxic Diseases in Taiwan

Liu

Huang

2012

Safety and Health at Work

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Occupational neurotoxic diseases have become increasingly common in Taiwan due to industrialization. Over the past 40 years, Taiwan has transformed from an agricultural society to an industrial society. The most common neurotoxic diseases also changed from organophosphate poisoning to heavy metal intoxication, and then to organic solvent and semiconductor agent poisoning. The nervous system is particularly vulnerable to toxic agents because of its high metabolic rate. Neurological manifestations may be transient or permanent, and may range from cognitive dysfunction, cerebellar ataxia, Parkinsonism, sensorimotor neuropathy and autonomic dysfunction to neuromuscular junction disorders. This study attempts to provide a review of the major outbreaks of occupational neurotoxins from 1968 to 2012. A total of 16 occupational neurotoxins, including organophosphates, toxic gases, heavy metals, organic solvents, and other toxic chemicals, were reviewed. Peer-reviewed articles related to the electrophysiology, neuroimaging, treatment and long-term follow up of these neurotoxic diseases were also obtained. The heavy metals involved consisted of lead, manganese, organic tin, mercury, arsenic, and thallium. The organic solvents included n-hexane, toluene, mixed solvents and carbon disulfide. Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide were also included, along with toxic chemicals including polychlorinated biphenyls, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, organophosphates, and dimethylamine borane. In addition we attempted to correlate these events to the timeline of industrial development in Taiwan. By researching this topic, the hope is that it may help other developing countries to improve industrial hygiene and promote occupational safety and health care during the process of industrialization.

show abstract

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7] During shooting, lead exposure occurs primarily through inhalation of lead particulates generated by the friction of lead bullets against the gun barrel and by the combustion of lead styphnate in priming compounds. 8 These exposures can be reduced by limiting the amount of time a person spends at the range, 8,9 improving ventilation in the range, [5][6][7][8][10][11][12] replacing lead bullets with copper-jackets, 4,7,11,12 improving personal hygiene, and improving maintenance and housekeeping at the firing range.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…6,14,15 The majority of studies have demonstrated that the potential for lead poisoning is greater among range employees because of the amount of time spent in the range. [3][4][5] Other studies have shown elevated blood lead levels among people with occupational exposures, but not employed by the range, such as law enforcement officers. 7,9 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) General Industry Lead Standard 16 mandates engineering controls, use of personal protective equipment, employee training, and periodic determination of blood lead levels when (1) levels exceed a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 µg/m 3 for lead in workplace air, averaged over an 8-hour workday; or (2) groups are exposed to air concentrations at or above the action level of 30 µg/m 3 at an 8-hour time-weighted average for more than 30 days per year.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Air sampling conducted at firing ranges has found lead levels above the OSHA PEL in both indoor and outdoor ranges when lead bullets were used. [2][3][4][5]7,9,11 Where new ventilation systems have been installed, the air levels are usually lower than the OSHA PEL but are still detectable. 10,11,17 Surveys have shown that range housekeeping is generally poor and often involves dry sweeping, which may O Downloaded by [University of Newcastle, Australia] at 22:59 03 January 2015 increase exposure.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Lead Exposure Among Target Shooters

Gelberg

DePersis

2009

Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The New York State Heavy Metals Registry receives reports on all New Yorkers tested for lead. The Registry was reviewed for information on individuals who had lead exposure from target shooting. Overall, 598 individuals have been reported with exposures from target shooting. Over one-half had nonoccupational exposures. These individuals were reported more frequently with elevated blood lead levels (over 40 microg/dL) than those with occupational exposures. Hobby target shooters are at significant risk of having elevated blood lead levels. Because of the potential for serious lead exposure as a result of target shooting, efforts should be made to inform target shooters of the health risks and methods that can reduce exposure to themselves, other range users, and their families.

show abstract

Chronic Lead Intoxication at an Indoor Firing Range in Taiwan

Cited by 9 publications

References 5 publications

Health effects after firing small arms comparing leaded and unleaded ammunition

Health effects after firing small arms comparing leaded and unleaded ammunition

Occupational Neurotoxic Diseases in Taiwan

Lead Exposure Among Target Shooters

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About