Request A Test, a leading provider of direct to consumer lab testing, has expanded their test menu to include new lead level blood tests. Lead exposure can come from a number of sources and one that tends to be overlooked is the risk of exposure to those who visit firing ranges for recreational or professional shooting practice. The high amount of lead particles released during the use and maintenance of firearms puts employees and customers of firing ranges at significant risk for lead poisoning. Also, the lead they may bring home on their clothes can put family members at risk as well. Getting one's lead level checked with a simple blood test can alert them to potentially dangerous lead exposure even if they are not experiencing symptoms. Request A Test offers a lead blood test for adults as well as a pediatric lead test for children under 16. In addition to standard lead level checks, a lead profile test which can help measure blood abnormalities caused by lead exposure is also available. These tests can be ordered by anyone without the need to visit their doctor for a prescription or get approval from an insurance company. With affordable pricing and 1000's of lab locations to choose from, getting tested couldn't be easier.
Lead exposure for people frequenting firing ranges can come from several sources. Lead is used in the manufacture of bullets and the primers which allow them to be fired. When a gun is fired, lead particles are release into the air. These lead particles can be inhaled or settle on the skin where they can be absorbed into the body. Lead residue will also remain on spent bullet casings and inside the gun. When casing are collected by the shooter or firing range employee, that residue can get on the hands or be breathed in. Cleaning a gun can also expose a person to the lead inside the barrel or chambers of the gun. While many ranges take care to provide proper ventilation, the volume of lead residue released means there is still a risk of exposure, especially for employees who routinely clean surfaces which may have lead residue or handle ammunition, casings, and bullet fragments. Lead particles that settle on a person's clothes can get into the air once they go home which can pose a risk for anyone else living there. The danger of lead poisoning does not mean that one should necessarily avoid the use of firing ranges. Taking proper precautions can minimize the risk of lead exposure and getting a periodic blood test to check the body's lead levels can help make a person aware if they are at risk. Someone showing elevated lead levels should consult with a doctor to determine how to address their situation.
The human body has no use for lead, so lead that is absorbed into the body tends to be deposited in tissues like the kidneys and brain or in the bones. Over time, with continued exposure, these deposits continue to build up in the body. While the body can eventually break down lead, the process is slow and can take years. If left untreated, lead exposure can cause severe damage to the kidneys and nervous system. and may become fatal. In children, lead exposure can cause learning disabilities or stunted growth and irreversible brain damage. The risk of miscarriages or birth defects for infants increases when one or both of the parents are suffering from lead exposure. Lead exposure can be difficult to diagnose without a blood test because many of the early symptoms are common to other disorders. Symptoms of lead poisoning can include but are not limited to irritability, depression, headache, impotence, low energy, weakness in the fingers or wrists, nausea, constipation, muscle pain or weakness, high blood pressure , and weight loss. Early detection is key to treating lead exposure before it causes serious health problems.
Although the risk of lead exposure at shooting ranges is potentially harmful, it does not mean that people cannot work at or patronize the ranges safely. The most important thing is to be aware of the risk and take proper precautions. Getting tested to check lead levels in the blood is an important part of avoiding the health problems which can be caused by lead poisoning. Request A Test wants to make sure that anyone who may be at risk knows they can be proactive and order the testing they need to take charge of their health. Request A Test's selection of lead blood tests can be found in the blood and blood diseases category of their testing menu. To order a lead blood test or for more information on the direct to consumer lab testing services provided by Request A Test, go to / or call 1-888-732-2348 to speak to a representative.