Quote:It is a little-known fact that a number of shooting ranges throughout the country are contaminated with lead, spread by vapor and dust when guns are fired.

And because of lax federal and state regulation and enforcement, not enough is being done to correct the problem, which can cause serious health issues, the Seattle Times reports in a lengthy investigative article.

An interactive map of the U.S. accompanying the article shows which states have inspected commercial gun ranges during the past decade. More than a dozen states have not done so, and a total of only about 200 of the nation’s 6,000 ranges have been checked during that period.

Meanwhile, even when inspections occur and violations are discovered, fines are often relatively minimal and enforcement can be postponed while the matter is under appeal, the newspaper reports.

“Some firing ranges cater to children, they have birthday parties and special events,” said Dr. Elana Page, who serves as a medical officer for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. “I think it’s really important that people are aware they can have significant exposure at a firing range, even for members of the general public.”

She calls potential lead exposure at gun ranges “a serious problem” that “could be quite widespread.”

However, Susan Recce, an official of the National Rifle Association, says lead problems at indoor ranges are “extremely rare.”