Even lead-free ammo may harm lung function

Sgt. Rock

Full Access Member
Came across this on another forum..thought I would share it.

By Patricia Kime
Staff writer

A new study suggests that firing small arms causes a decline in lung function that lasts at least 24 hours after shooting and possibly has long-term respiratory effects.

Alarmed by reports that Norwegian troops were getting sick after firing lead-free “green” ammunition, scientists with the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment, Oslo University Hospital and the Norwegian military decided to test lung capacity in troops before and after they hit the firing range using both lead and lead-free ammo.

They found that all 55 subjects had trouble breathing immediately after shooting and diminished capacity 24 hours later regardless of the type of ammunition used.

“The subjects got respiratory symptoms and metal fume fever,” said the researchers, including lead author Anne-Katrine Borander of Oslo University Hospital, in an email to Military Times. “Fumes released during firing of small arms are highly complex mixtures of gases, vapors and solid particles.”

For the study, the Norwegian troops — 55 otherwise healthy, non-smoking service members — fired the HK416N with 16.5-inch barrel. The subjects were given a spirometry test before firing, about an hour after shooting and a day later.

The results showed that lung function declined by roughly 5 percent immediately after shooting and 7 percent at 24 hours afterward.

“This is due to irritation of the airways. Respiratory irritation can be caused by irritants, general dust and metal particles,” researchers said.

The study has a number of limitations, according to the scientists, including that it was not designed to figure out what level of exposure causes symptoms to appear.

They said the research is part of an ongoing NDRE effort to study the particles emitted by gunsmoke and their effects on lung cells.

“One important question is whether repeated exposure to gun smoke can produce chronic respiratory or immunological diseases or impair lung function in the long term,” Borander and her colleagues said.

The researchers suggested military leaders could help reduce long-term risk by developing and using a lead-free ammunition that emits lower levels of metals such as copper and zinc, ensuring that shoot houses have efficient ventilation systems and encouraging troops to report if they feel sick.

The findings were presented in September at the European Respiratory Society Annual Congress and will be published in three scientific papers in the coming months, according to Borander.
 

kwo51

Full Access Member
We don't need to worry ostupid with an executive order is putting all lead producing plants out of business. Gun powder, bullets, and primers are going to be not built in the usa. We are going to be disarmed by the EPA.
 

armoredman

Full Access Member
Bogus. This will be latched upon by every leftist to shut down every shooting range as hazardous to human health. They will try to reclassify all ammunition as a health hazard, and require onerous and impossible to follow regulations to purchase, own, store and use, ala EPS coal plant rules. Of course, 90% of this won't fly...the first time, but places like Hawaii, California and New Jersey, look out. And, we can't forget "ban the Big Gulp" Big Apple - Bloomers will be all over this in a New York minute, no pun intended.
 

MrMarty51

Full Access Member
Having a Blasters license the local VFW club would purchase the fire works for the 4th of July celebrations through My license.
All fire works was ignited manually using several men with propane torches to ignite the fuses.
The smoke from the fuses and the fire works blasting out of the tubes was tremendous.
Did`nt notice while setting off them fire works but after all the adrenalin was out of the system, I noticed headaches and a shortness of breath. Lasted for several days afterwards.
Now, the ignition of the fire works is mostly done with a contrl board and is synched with the music. ALL old marching tunes.
Is it worth the headaches and shortness of breath ??? YOU BETCHA IT IS, and I do`nt mean for just the spectaters, I love doing this job for the men and women that served.
And on that note, Thank You very much for Your service to this nation that will become GREAT again.
 

kwo51

Full Access Member
Most of them were dead by 35 years. The creeks were running red with blood and the lead they worried was in the form of a ball.
 

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