Is 10 rounds of .38 ammunition fired outdoors enough to cause concern for the unborn child?

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QUESTION: Is 10 rounds of .38 ammunition fired outdoors enough to cause concern for the unborn child? 20 Feb 2008 North Carolina, USA

Hello,

My wife is 13 weeks pregnant. A few days ago we were out on a farm and I let her shoot exactly 10 rounds from 1 of my pistols. I did not think about possible lead exposure until after we were done. She was outdoors and the wind was blowing. Is 10 rounds of .38 ammunition fired outdoors enough to cause concern for the unborn child.

Thanks,

J.D.

ANSWER: 20 Feb 2008

Dear J.D.,

The best way to determine whether any lead exposure for the unborn child occurred from this incident (and from any loss of lifetime stores of lead from your wife's bones into her bloodstream due to her pregnancy) is to ask the doctor or obstetrician to order a blood lead test for your wife. I will send you our Info pack on the dangers of a blood lead level above 2 µg/dL (micrograms per decilitre) so that you will better be able to interpret the blood lead result when it comes.

I would be happy to discuss the result with you when it comes.

Yours Sincerely

Elizabeth O’Brien