Lead Exposure Concerns at an Outdoor Shooting Complex in Hawaii

The Koko Head Shooting Complex is Oahu’s only public shooting range and is situated on the floor of an old volcanic crater. It is an outdoor range operated by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and was temporarily closed in September due to staffing issues and a planned berm renovation project.

Since the initial temporary closure announcement, local media has reported that an investigation has been initiated after a number of employees at the shooting complex tested positive for elevated blood lead levels. Elevated levels of lead in the blood can potentially cause a wide range of health issues.

“According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are some 9,000 non-military outdoor shooting ranges across the country,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Lead, used in bullets and shot – along with the lead dust created when a gun is fired, make their way into the environment at these ranges. Inhalation and ingestion of lead particles can be a serious concern for visitors and workers at these facilities. Exposure risks at indoor ranges can be even more pronounced if the facility doesn’t have adequate ventilation and cleaning procedures.”

To help identify occupational and environmental exposure risks to lead and other heavy metals, EMSL Analytical offers laboratory testing services. Their industrial hygiene and environmental tests from indoor and outdoor samples can be instrumental in assessing exposure risks and cleaning procedures. These tests can also be used for post-remediation clearance evaluations. EMSL even provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Several years back, EMSL sponsored an educational video about lead exposure risks at shooting ranges that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/OmjzmbbPxk0

To learn more about this or other occupational, environmental, air quality, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com . To access lead and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail