What is lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning, something you may have heard of in reference to old houses and construction sites, is an insidious health risk that can severely damage the health of those exposed, most notably children. The symptoms are vague and may not be immediately connected to lead, such as nausea, fatigue, and memory loss. Children are at an increased risk for neurological changes, such as reduced development and erratic behavior. Lead poisoning can be treated, but the symptoms may be long-lasting, and even fatal, eventually attacking the neurosystem if left untreated.

Who tests for lead levels?

Most privately owned shooting ranges are not tested frequently by OSHA, if at all, due to a lack of employees, and the operators of these facilities are most likely uninformed about proper precautionary measures. OSHA handles work environment oversight for most states, yet 21 states authorize their own particular safety programs that regularly reflect government controls. However, whether under OSHA’s or state purview, most operators aren’t properly equipped or motivated to fix the issue. Alaska, Iowa, and Louisiana are 3 of 14 states that have not inspected any shooting range in the previous 10 years.

How can I stay safe?

After shooting, wash your hands thoroughly and change your clothes, which should be left in a plastic bag until ready to wash. Take off your shoes before entering the house and, if possible, leave them outside until you can clean them. Remember that children put anything and everything into their mouth, thus, keeping your shooting accessories out of reach and clean is advisable.

Should you own or operate a shooting range, consider the health and wellbeing of your employees and customers and contact Rushing Air. Our team has innovated an indoor shooting range ventilation system that keeps your shooters and employees in the safest environment possible. The system we’ve designed saves anywhere from 50-75% on energy consumption, which translates to thousands of dollars in savings without compromising comfort, fun, or safety.

Contact a specialist today – 832.791.5521