The Less Talked About Side of Shooting
Shooting is a blast—literally and figuratively—but it comes with some not-so-fun side effects that aren’t always in plain sight. When you’re popping off rounds and perfecting your aim, there are a few invisible Shooting Range Hazards floating around that could cramp your style and health. Let’s dive into what’s floating in the air and clinging to your gear when you shoot.
Lead’s a Threat, Not a Friend: Addressing Shooting Range Hazards
Lead exposure is a major Shooting Range Hazard. Every time a gun fires, tiny lead particles launch into the air, landing on your clothes, skin, and even lingering in the environment. Regular exposure to this hidden threat can harm your health, causing headaches, fatigue, and even more serious problems. Remember, it’s not just you at risk – lead on your clothes can affect your family too.
Beyond the Bullet: Exploring Shooting Range Hazards
While lead is the main worry, it’s not the only one. The smoke and residue from firing your gun are basically a cocktail of chemicals, including other metals and solvents. Ever get a headache after a session at the range? It might not just be from the noise. Those fumes and particles in the air are no joke, especially in enclosed spaces.
Suit Up and Wash Up
Here’s the deal: a little prep goes a long way. Think of handling your gun and ammo like you’re about to paint a room or change the oil in your car. Suit up with gloves and maybe even a mask if you’re going to be indoors. And just like you wouldn’t grab a sandwich with paint-covered hands, don’t snack with gunpowder-gritty fingers. Wash up before you dig in.
At the end of your shooting day, make it a routine to clean up well. Change out of your gear before you head home to keep those unseen hitchhikers from your clothes and gear out of your house and away from the family.
Choosing the Right Spot to Shoot: Avoiding Shooting Range Hazards
If you have a choice, pick an outdoor range. Not only do you get to enjoy a bit more nature, but the open space helps keep those unwanted particles from hanging around by blowing them away. A well-maintained range, whether indoor or outdoor, can also make a big difference. These places know how to manage the messy side of shooting and keep things as clean as possible.
Wrapping it Up
While shooting is a fun and rewarding hobby, the range can harbor more Shooting Range Hazards than you might think. A bit of awareness and preparation can keep you and your loved ones safe from these invisible risks. So next time you gear up for some target practice, just remember: what goes bang could hang around longer than you’d like. Keep it clean, keep it safe, and keep enjoying the sport. And hey, isn’t a post-shooting shower just another excuse to dodge doing the dishes?
References:
- Kim, Yong Ho et al. “Chemistry and lung toxicity of particulate matter emitted from firearms.” Scientific reports vol. 12,1 20722. 1 Dec. 2022, doi:10.1038/s41598-022-24856-5
- Mariussen, E., Fjellsbø, L., Frømyr, T. R., Johnsen, I. V., Karsrud, T. E., & Voie, Ø. A. (2021). Toxic effects of gunshot fumes from different ammunitions for small arms on lung cells exposed at the air liquid interface. Toxicology in Vitro, 72, 105095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105095
- Wingfors, H et al. “Emission factors for gases and particle-bound substances produced by firing lead-free small-caliber ammunition.” Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene vol. 11,5 (2014): 282-91. doi:10.1080/15459624.2013.858821
- Sanders, Talia et al. “Neurotoxic effects and biomarkers of lead exposure: a review.” Reviews on environmental health vol. 24,1 (2009): 15-45. doi:10.1515/reveh.2009.24.1.15
- Wani, Ab Latif et al. “Lead toxicity: a review.” Interdisciplinary toxicology vol. 8,2 (2015): 55-64. doi:10.1515/intox-2015-0009
- Gorguner, Metin, and Metin Akgun. “Acute inhalation injury.” The Eurasian journal of medicine vol. 42,1 (2010): 28-35. doi:10.5152/eajm.2010.09
