Long‐term indoor gunshot exposure of special police forces induces bronchitic reactions and elevated blood lead levels—The Berlin shooting range study

Background Gunshot emissions contain toxic elements that can harm those frequently exposed, such as police officers. Several years ago, police indoor firing ranges were closed by the Berlin municipality in response to police officer health complaints, and an investigation was launched into the possible respiratory health risks of frequent gunshot emission exposure. We, therefore, conducted an exploratory cross‐sectional study to investigate clinical and functional parameters of respiratory health as well as the burden of trace elements in policemen with long‐term high exposure to indoor gunshot emissions, compared to low‐exposure and control groups. Methods We conducted lung function tests and collected blood and urine samples from Berlin police officers and government employees who were divided into three subject groups based on exposure to gunshot emissions: high exposure (n = 53), low exposure (n = 94) and no exposure (n = 76). Lung function was examined using body plethysmography. Blood and urine samples were tested via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the presence of common gunshot powder elements (antimony, lead and manganese). Exposure and symptoms were assessed using records as well as questionnaires. Results Higher exposure was associated with more respiratory symptoms during gun shooting practice (64% vs. 21%, P