Lead exposure from indoor firing ranges among students on shooting teams--Alaska, 2002-2004.

CDC recognizes blood lead levels (BLLs) of >/=25 microg/dL in adults and >/=10 microg/dL in children aged </=6 years as levels of concern; no similar level has been set for older children and adolescents. During 2002-2004, the Alaska Environmental Public Health Program (EPHP) conducted lead-exposure assessments of school-based indoor shooting teams in the state, after a BLL of 44 microg/dL was reported in a man aged 62 years who coached a high school shooting team in central Alaska. This report summarizes the results of the EPHP investigation of potential lead exposure in 66 members of shooting teams, aged 7-19 years, who used five indoor firing ranges. The findings suggest that improper design, operation, and maintenance of ranges were the likely cause of elevated BLLs among team members at four of the five firing ranges. Public health officials should identify indoor firing ranges that have not implemented lead-safety measures and offer consultation to reduce the risk for lead exposure among shooters, coaches, and employees.