Lead Free Frangible Ammunition Exposure At United States Air Force Small Arms Firing Ranges 2005 2007

This report serves to summarize various projects the Air Force Institute for Operational Health (AFIOH) has performed related to health concerns expressed by Security Forces Combat Arms (CATM) instructors regarding exposure to contaminants generated during the discharge of lead free frangible ammunition. The projects took place from 2005 through 2007 and while work is ongoing in this area, the results contribute to our understanding of the exposures enough that reasonable, timely recommendations can be made. Generally, this report provides needed exposure data and recommendations to health risk assessors in the field, it identifies gaps in the assessment needing further work, and it gives recommendations to CATM personnel to mitigate the hazards as they are currently understood. It should serve to provide operators in the field to help mitigate the reported adverse health effects of respiratory tract irritation, eye irritation, sweet metallic taste, nausea and headaches.