Health effects after firing small arms comparing leaded and unleaded ammunition

Abstract

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.

Comparing Acute Toxicity of Gunshot Particles, from Firing Conventional and Lead-Free Ammunition, in Pulmonary Epithelial Cell Cultures

“…This is supported by a recent study of particles emitted when firing Pb-free and standard 5.56-mm ammunition, where most of the metals were reported to be in the form of metal oxides associated to soot (Voie et al, 2014). Once in contact with cells, studies found that nanosized sintered metal oxides, that is, metal oxides produced in hightemperature processes, are taken up by cells and that they then release metal ions within cells (Brunner et al, 2006;Grass et al, 2010;Raemy et al, 2012).…”

“…In contrast, as already mentioned, recent experiments on acute exposure to gases and aerosols from ammunition, both conventional and Pb-free, indicate immediate health issues including respiratory irritation, metal fume fever, and nausea and more symptoms were associated with Pb-free ammunition than with the conventional kind (Strømseng et al, 2009;Voie et al, 2014). These findings emphasize the need for more data on this new type of ammunition.…”

“…However, recent reports on acute health risks, associated with the newly developed Pb-free ammunition, warrant further studies evaluating the composition of gunshot emissions and their link to potential health effects. However, promising results from a recent study indicate that new constructions of the Pb-free 5.56-mm bullet may yield lower emissions (Voie et al, 2014). In this study, gunshot particles were collected from leaded as well as Pb-free ammunition and screened for acute toxic effects in vitro.…”

“…As a consequence, Pb-free ammunition is becoming more popular for both military and civilian use in many countries, including Sweden. Somewhat unexpectedly, there are some reports and studies showing evidence of adverse health symptoms related to the use of Pb-free ammunition (Strømseng et al, 2009;Methner et al, 2013;Voie et al, 2014). The reported symptoms have primarily involved short-term and transitory respiratory symptoms, such as cough, wheezing, and metallic taste in the mouth.…”

“…Other reported short-term symptoms include chill, fever, and nausea. Some, but not all, of the symptoms resemble the symptoms of metal fume fever (Voie et al, 2014).…”