Hello all,

Perhaps the questions about lead exposure on the firing range have already
been answered. But just in case they haven't, here's some information you
might find helpful...

At a workshop I attended today, Dr. Lorne K. Garrettson, MD, FAAP, explained
(in response to my question) that lead exposure from firing a gun comes from
inhaling the "volatilized" lead particles that are created by the hot bullet
as it
exits the gun barrel. This only presents a hazard for people such as firing
range
instructors who work in poorly ventilated firing ranges. In fact, years ago,
some
instructors actually died from chronic exposure. Therefore, the nursing
mother
who had to attend training was not at risk. Furthurmore, Dr. Garrettson is
not
overly concerned about moms with elevated lead levels (unless perhaps it's
really high) because so little lead actually passes into breastmilk.

You're probably wondering who Dr.G. is! Currently, he is an Associate
Professor,
Dept. of Peds at Emory University; director of the Section of Clinical
Pharmacology
and Toxicology/Poison Control; and has a private practice where he actually
treats children for lead poisoning (chelation therapy). He also happens to be
very pro-breastfeeding and likes to surf the net, so I told him about
Lactnet. Hopefully,
we'll see him here soon. I have his phone/fax/e-mail addresses if anyone
needs them.

TTFN,
Diana Dietz, RN