The lead exposure would come from the air which becomes contaminated from
the lead in the bullets being shot at the firing range.  It is pretty well
known that air in firing ranges can contain elevated levels of lead,
particularly if there is inadequate ventilation.  A blood lead test would
give an indication of whether the mother's blood lead levels are elevated.
I know of no studies evaluating maternal exposure or breastmilk
contamination in these settings.  In the case of the police officer, I
would venture that her past exposures would have already contributed to her
lead body burden (primarily in bone) which may result in higher than
average lead content in her milk.  What the milk lead levels may be cannot
be estimated without more information on her activities and the lead air
levels in the shooting range.  Judy Schreiber


** Judith S. Schreiber, Ph.D.
** Chief, Special Investigatons Section
** Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment
**NYSDOH,  Flanigan Square, Room 300
** 547 River Street, Troy NY 12180-2216
**(518) 402-7810 ph/7819 fax
** [log in to unmask]

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