NCJ Number
228446
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 36 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2009 Pages: 30,32,35
Date Published
August 2009
Length
5 pages
Annotation
In this article, bullet and cartridge manufacturers and shooting range compliance specialists discuss the "green" (environmentally friendly) trends in ammunition, which does not contain lead or has limited use of lead in its bullet, shot, or primer.
Abstract
High levels of lead can cause "brain or nervous system damage, behavior and learning problems ... slowed growth, hearing problems, and headaches," in children, according to an EPA fact sheet. In addition, lead poisoning can cause adults to have "reproductive problems, high blood pressure, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems, and muscle and joint pain." There are various problems with the long-term use of lead ammunition on shooting ranges, as well as complications associated with an abrupt change from lead to training rounds composed of other materials. The chemical changes that can occur after "green" ammo materials change the pH of the soil in an outdoor range can cause the lead preserved in the soil to leach more quickly, increasing the pace of ground water poisoning. Under such a circumstance, change to a lead-free bullet after a range has been using lead bullets for some time can be more hazardous than maintaining lead rounds on the range; however, using lead-free ammunition from the outset of a range's construction can reduce the costs of range clean up and ease recycling efforts. This article notes some of the precautionary measures that must be taken into account when using "green" ammunition such as copper-jacketed bullets and steel shot. In addition, alternatives to lead ammunition are all more expensive. Despite current market conditions, however, manufacturers and veteran shooters expect ammunition to proceed further down the lead-free path within the next decade.