A forty year study published in the Journal of Environmental Health found that gun range clients and staff personnel are at a high risk of exposure to dangerous lead levels from the smoke and tiny bullet fragments that drift into the air after striking targets.
The study found that the lead blood levels of those who patronize or work at gun ranges were between two and eight times the level considered serious by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The authors then concluded that firing ranges created a substantial and unsupervised public health problem.
Elevated blood lead levels were found after just a day or two of shooting and could linger for months.
Lead exposure at the shooting ranges can occur in the following ways:
o When a round discharges, the metal burned and released a small amount. If the smoke were to be inhaled, it could introduce lead into the bloodstream.
o Some ammunition uses lead projectiles or bullets. When the bullet breaks up on impact, the metal is aerosolized. Even if lead particles aren’t inhaled, they can settle on skin or clothing or in soil, which people can then ingest.
Adults suffering from lead exposure can suffer tremors, high blood pressure, heart disease, and decreased kidney function. The fetus of a pregnant woman can suffer reduced growth. And, children can suffer lower IQs, cognitive dysfunction, and delayed puberty.
Despite such risks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not regulate shooting ranges.
Ecomass Technologies
Since 1998, Ecomass Technologies has provided innovative solutions through advanced composite materialsand engineered thermoplastics. It’s worked with industry and government to overcome physical property and material challenges to meet their application needs. Its experience and proficiency in the formulation and development of high density thermoplastic compounds provides customers the freedom to function while it solves challenges. Ecomass Technologies’ goal is to empower it customers with the best materials at the lowest-cost and allow them to compete in their respective markets.
Non-Toxic Frangible Ammunition
Frangible ammunitionoffers a lead-free alternative to traditional lead rounds. Frangible bullets are produced with thermoplastic composite materials including tungsten polymer, copper, or tin utilizing an injection molding or powder metallurgical production process.
Ecomass Technologies’ innovative lead replacement process allows it to develop and produce superior quality, frangible projectiles. It remains committed to continuously improving and refining its technologies and remaining at the forefront of lead free frangible ammunition technology.
Ecomass’compounds are RoHS compliant and do not contain any other EPA hazardous or toxic material. As well, all Ecomass Compounds comply with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act.
If you have a special requirement, contact Ecomass Technologies today. It has probably already solved it.
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