Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 96-0107-2613, Dartmouth Police Department,Dartmouth, Massachusetts

摘要

In response to a request from the Dartmouth Chief of Police, an investigation wasbegun into possible lead (7439921) exposure to officers of the Dartmouth Police Departmnt (SIC-9221), Dartmouth, Massachusetts during firearms training at the New Bedford Police Department indoor firing range. The indoor facility was located in an old office trailer. Sampling was conducted during the firing of copper jacketed lead free primer ammunition. Air sampling indicated that the airborne lead concentrations were below the minimum quantifiable concentration. Wipe samples from surfaces inside the trailer revealed lead concentrations ranging from 6.6 to 31.6 micrograms/100 square centimeters. The surface contamination likely resulted from the use of lead containing ammunition by other police forces. Ventilation was provided through two 14 inch axal fans located in the sidewalls of the trailer. The authors concludes that the firing of copper jacketed lead free primer ammunition did not present a health hazard, but the continued use of lead primer ammunition by other departments may expose officers to lead from surface contamination.