Lead poisoning in shooting-range workers in Gauteng Province, South Africa: Two case studies

S Afr Med J. 2017 Mar 29;107(4):302-303. doi: 10.7196/SAMJ.2017.v107i4.12176.

Abstract

Background: Lead exposure constitutes a major public health concern globally. Relative to developed nations, lead exposure is understudied and poorly addressed in Africa, and there is a dearth of information available to inform lead poisoning prevention strategies, even in high-risk groups such as workers in shooting ranges who are potentially exposed to lead daily.

Methods: Two workers at a private shooting range in Gauteng, South Africa (SA), had blood lead levels and exposure histories taken.

Results: Workers had highly elevated blood lead levels and clinical symptoms associated with elevated blood lead levels.

Conclusion: Workers in private SA shooting ranges are vulnerable to lead exposure and poisoning, and scaled-up action is required to protect them and their families, as well as shooting-range users, from lead and the related health risks.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Firearms*
  • Humans
  • Lead Poisoning / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Risk Factors
  • South Africa