Brian Gulson

Prof. Brian Gulson


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

24Years (2003-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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4 April 2017 in Environmental Health
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MLMark Laidlaw
Mark Laidlaw
Gabriel Michael FilippelliGabriel Michael Filippelli
Gabriel Michael Filippelli
Howard MielkeHoward Mielke
Howard Mielke
BGBrian Gulson
Brian Gulson
ABAndy Ball
Andy Ball
Lead (Pb) is a toxic substance with well-known, multiple, long-term, adverse health outcomes. Shooting guns at firing ranges is an occupational necessity for security personnel, police officers, members of the military, and increasingly a recreational activity by the public. In the United States alone, an estimated 16,000–18,000 firing ranges exist. Discharge of Pb dust and gases is a consequence of shooting guns. The objectives of this study are to review the literature on blood lead levels (BLLs) and potential adverse health effects associated with the shooting population. The search terms “blood lead”, “lead poisoning”, “lead exposure”, “marksmen”, “firearms”, “shooting”, “guns”, “rifles” and “firing ranges” were used in the search engines Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct to identify studies that described BLLs in association with firearm use and health effects associated with shooting activities. Thirty-six articles were reviewed that included BLLs from shooters at firing ranges. In 31 studies BLLs > 10 μg/dL were reported in some shooters, 18 studies reported BLLs > 20 μg/dL, 17 studies > 30 μg/d, and 15 studies BLLs > 40 μg/dL. The literature indicates that BLLs in shooters are associated with Pb aerosol discharge from guns and air Pb at firing ranges, number of bullets discharged, and the caliber of weapon fired. Shooting at firing ranges results in the discharge of Pb dust, elevated BLLs, and exposures that are associated with a variety of adverse health outcomes. Women and children are among recreational shooters at special risk and they do not receive the same health protections as occupational users of firing ranges. Nearly all BLL measurements compiled in the reviewed studies exceed the current reference level of 5 μg/dL recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (CDC/NIOSH). Thus firing ranges, regardless of type and user classification, currently constitute a significant and unmanaged public health problem. Prevention includes clothing changed after shooting, behavioural modifications such as banning of smoking and eating at firing ranges, improved ventilation systems and oversight of indoor ranges, and development of airflow systems at outdoor ranges. Eliminating lead dust risk at firing ranges requires primary prevention and using lead-free primers and lead-free bullets.

1 March 2012 in Science of The Total Environment
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
BGBrian Gulson
Brian Gulson
HWHerbert Wong
Herbert Wong
MKMichael Korsch
Michael Korsch
LGLaura Gomez
Laura Gomez
PCPhilip Casey
Philip Casey
GGGavin Greenoak
Gavin Greenoak

16 April 2015 in Archives of Toxicology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
BGBrian Gulson
Brian Gulson
KMKaren Mizon
Karen Mizon
MKMichael Korsch
Michael Korsch
ATAlan Taylor
Alan Taylor

4 July 2015 in Archives of Toxicology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
BGBrian Gulson
Brian Gulson
MMMaxine J. McCall
Maxine J. McCall
DBDiana M. Bowman
Diana M. Bowman
TPTeresa Pinheiro
Teresa Pinheiro

1 July 2017 in Environmental Research
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MLMark Laidlaw
Mark Laidlaw
SMShaike M. Mohmmad
Shaike M. Mohmmad
BGBrian Gulson
Brian Gulson
MTMark P. Taylor
Mark P. Taylor
LKLouise J. Kristensen
Louise J. Kristensen
GBGavin Birch
Gavin Birch