Occupational Lead Exposure Among Civilian Indoor Shooting Range Workers in Korea: A Report of Blood Lead Levels and Airborne Lead.

IF 2.3 3区医学 Q1 MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL

Journal of Korean Medical Science Pub Date : 2025-06-23 DOI:10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e116

Sungjin Park, Jaeyoung Park, Bumjoon Lee, Yi-Ryoung Lee, Jiho Kim, Younmo Cho, Hyeongyeong Choi, Kyeongyeon Kim

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Indoor shooting ranges have emerged as a major source of lead exposure. However, occupational lead exposure in civilian indoor shooting ranges has been understudied in South Korea. This study aimed to assess blood lead levels (BLLs) and airborne lead concentrations among workers at these establishments.

Methods: This descriptive observational study included 21 workers from three indoor shooting ranges in South Korea. BLL was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and airborne lead concentrations were assessed using personal air sampling devices. Data regarding occupational history, job type, and work area were collected through interviews.

Results: The mean BLL among workers was 39.82 µg/dL, with shooting coaches exhibiting the highest levels, substantially exceeding those of the general population. Airborne lead concentrations near firing zones were approximately seven times higher than the occupational exposure limit. Both air lead levels and BLL differed significantly based on job role and work area within the shooting ranges, showing a strong correlation.

Conclusion: This study highlights considerable lead exposure in civilian indoor shooting ranges, indicating the urgent need for improved safety regulations and preventive measures to mitigate lead exposure risks. Enhanced ventilation systems, regular health screenings, and better education on safety practices are recommended to protect workers' health.

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查看原文本刊更多论文

韩国民用室内射击场工人的职业性铅暴露：血铅水平和空气中铅的报告。

背景：室内射击场已成为铅暴露的主要来源。然而，在韩国，民用室内射击场的职业性铅暴露问题尚未得到充分研究。本研究旨在评估这些场所工人的血铅水平（BLLs）和空气中铅浓度。方法：本描述性观察性研究包括来自韩国三个室内射击场的21名工人。使用原子吸收分光光度法测量BLL，使用个人空气采样装置评估空气中的铅浓度。通过访谈收集职业经历、工作类型、工作领域等数据。结果：工人的平均BLL为39.82µg/dL，其中射击教练的水平最高，大大超过了一般人群。射击区附近空气中的铅浓度约为职业接触限值的7倍。在射击场内，不同的工作角色和工作区域对空气铅水平和BLL有显著的影响，表现出很强的相关性。结论：本研究表明民用室内射击场存在大量的铅暴露，迫切需要完善安全法规和预防措施，以减轻铅暴露风险。建议加强通风系统，定期进行健康检查，并加强安全实践教育，以保护工人的健康。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Korean Medical Science 医学-医学：内科

CiteScore

7.80

自引率

8.90%

发文量

320

审稿时长

3-6 weeks

期刊介绍： The Journal of Korean Medical Science (JKMS) is an international, peer-reviewed Open Access journal of medicine published weekly in English. The Journal’s publisher is the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences (KAMS), Korean Medical Association (KMA). JKMS aims to publish evidence-based, scientific research articles from various disciplines of the medical sciences. The Journal welcomes articles of general interest to medical researchers especially when they contain original information. Articles on the clinical evaluation of drugs and other therapies, epidemiologic studies of the general population, studies on pathogenic organisms and toxic materials, and the toxicities and adverse effects of therapeutics are welcome.