Occupational Exposure to Metals in Shooting Ranges: A Biomonitoring Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lead (Pb) exposure in shooting ranges has been reduced by various measures such as jacketed ammunition and lead-free primers. Nevertheless, this may lead to exposure to other metals, potentially resulting in adverse health effects.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 35 subjects from seven different shooting ranges were studied: four shooting instructors, 10 police officers, 15 Special Forces, and six maintenance staff members. Metals and metalloids were determined in blood and urine by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

Results

The concentrations of most elements did not differ significantly between groups or compared to reference values, except for Sb and Pt in urine and Pb in blood. Mean values for Sb were considerably higher in urine from the

SUBMITTER: Vandebroek E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6428968 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature