Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA-91-161-2225, Denver Police Department,Denver, Colorado

摘要

In response to a request from the Denver Police Department (SIC-9221) in Denver,Colorado, an investigation was made into lead (7439921) exposures during the use of different ammunition on the firing range. Ventilation rates were measured and personal breathing zone air samples were collected for ten officers during the firing of .45 caliber pistols. Nonlead primers were not yet available for .45 caliber ammunition. Air lead exposure ranged from 1.0 to 16 micrograms/cubic meter (microg/cu m). A slight improvement was noted in ventilation since an earlier NIOSH study had been performed at this site. The improvement resulted from the removal of a 3 foot high partition along the floor on the firing line. There was still, however, turbulent air flow across the entire firing line and backflow in some of the shooting booths. The author concludes that there was no health hazard from lead overexposure at this site at this time, but recommends use of jacketed bullets, nonlead primers, and administrative controls to minimize lead exposures.