Exposure to lead-free frangible firing emissions containing copper and ultrafine particulates leads to increased oxidative stress in firing range instructors.

Background: Since the introduction of copper based, lead-free frangible (LFF) ammunition to Air Force small arms firing ranges, instructors have reported symptoms including chest tightness, respiratory irritation, and metallic taste. These symptoms have been reported despite measurements determining that instructor exposure does not exceed established occupational exposure limits (OELs). The disconnect between reported symptoms and exposure limits may be due to a limited understanding of LFF firing byproducts and subsequent health effects.

Video Exposure Monitoring and Position Tracking for Evaluating Particulate and Gas Exposures in a Fully Enclosed Small Arms Firing Range.

The exposure environment in small arms firing ranges is dynamic since ventilation conditions vary in space and time and instructors continuously move around throughout the range. Understanding the impact of engineering controls and instructor behavior on the levels of particulates and gases in the breathing zone is required for providing recommendations to mitigate exposure. In this study, video exposure monitoring (VEM) and position tracking technologies were used in conjunction with real-time measurements of ultrafine particle (UFP) and carbon monoxide (CO) exposures in the breathing zone of instructors in an enclosed small arms firing range.

Comprehensive characterization of firing byproducts generated from small arms firing of lead-free frangible ammunition.

Following the introduction of lead-free frangible ammunition in United States Air Force small arms firing ranges, Combat Arms instructors have routinely reported experiencing adverse health symptoms during live fire training exercises, including sore throat, cough, and headache. Previous studies have found that these symptoms occur despite occupational exposure limits not being exceeded. To better characterize the potential source and mechanisms for health symptoms, a comprehensive characterization of the physicochemical properties of gases and aerosols emitted during the firing of the M9 pistol and M4 rifle using lead-free frangible ammunition was completed.

Monthly Variations in Perfluorinated Compound Concentrations in Groundwater.

Large-scale manufacturing of poly- and perfluorinated compounds in the second half of the 20th century has led to their ubiquity in the environment, and their unique structure has made them persistent contaminants. A recent drinking water advisory level issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency lowered the advisory level concentration of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from 200 nanograms per liter and 400 nanograms per liter, respectively, to 70 nanograms per liter separately or combined. Small temporal variations in PFOS and PFOA concentrations could be the difference between meeting or exceeding the recommended limit.