Editing Gun safety (section)

==Secondary hazards==
{{More citations needed|date=January 2011}}
While a firearm's primary danger lies in the discharge of ammunition, there are other ways a firearm may pose hazards to the health of the handler and bystanders.

===Noise===
When a firearm is discharged it emits a very loud noise, typically close to the handler's ears. This can cause temporary or permanent hearing damage such as [[tinnitus]]. Hearing protection such as earplugs, or earmuffs, or both, can reduce the risk of hearing damage.<ref name="NIOSH">{{cite journal |title=Reducing Exposure to Lead and Noise at Indoor Firing Ranges |url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2010-113/pdfs/2010-113.pdf?id=10.26616/NIOSHPUB2010113 |website=Center for Disease Control |publisher=National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health |access-date=27 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616125257/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2010-113/pdfs/2010-113.pdf?id=10.26616/NIOSHPUB2010113 |archive-date=16 June 2024 |language=en-US |format=PDF |date=January 2010 | doi=10.26616/NIOSHPUB2010113 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="safsell"/> Some earmuffs or headphones made for shooting and similar loud situations use [[active noise control]]. Firearms may also have [[silencer (firearms)|silencers]] which reduce the sound intensity from the barrel.

===Hot gases and debris===
Firearms emit hot gases, powder, and other debris when discharged. Some firearms, such as [[Semi-automatic firearm|semi-automatic]] and [[Automatic firearm|fully automatic]] firearms, typically eject spent cartridge casings at high speed. Casings are also dangerously hot when ejected. Revolvers store spent casings in the chamber, but may emit a stream of hot gases and fine particulate debris laterally from the interface between the revolving chamber and the barrel.

Any of these may hurt the handler or bystanders through burning or impact damage. Because eyes are particularly vulnerable to this type of damage, eye protection should be worn to reduce the risk of injury. Prescription lenses and various tints to suit different light conditions are available.<ref name="safsell"/> Some eye protection products are rated to withstand impact from birdshot loads, which offers protection against irresponsible firearms use by other game bird shooters.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Roy Huntington |title=Gun safety & safety products |magazine=Shooting Industry |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3197/is_n11_v39/ai_16467222/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708124844/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3197/is_n11_v39/ai_16467222/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 July 2012 }}</ref>

=== Compressed air & CO<sub>2</sub> ===
[[Air gun#Pre-charged pneumatic|Pre-charged pneumatic]] airguns use air cylinders with operating pressures in excess of {{Convert|200|bar|psi}}. These are commonly refilled from [[diving cylinder]]s, which are periodically recharged at a dive shop. Mishandling of pressure vessels can result in serious injury or death.<ref name="Scubaengineer">{{cite web |last=Staff |title=Scuba Cylinder Servicing and High Pressure Valve Support Pages |url=http://www.scubaengineer.com/tank_servicingx.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114232403/http://www.scubaengineer.com/tank_servicingx.htm |archive-date=14 January 2016 |url-status=live |website=ScubaEngineer.com |access-date=16 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="IMCA alert 866">{{cite web |last=Staff |date=18 December 2014 |title=Injuries Due to Failure of Diver's Emergency Gas Cylinder |url=https://www.imca-int.com/alert/866/injuries-due-to-failure-of-divers-emergency-gas-cylinder/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126061133/https://www.imca-int.com/alert/866/injuries-due-to-failure-of-divers-emergency-gas-cylinder/ |archive-date=26 January 2019 |url-status=live |work=Safety Flash Alert 866 |publisher=[[International Marine Contractors Association]] (IMCA) |access-date=15 March 2017 }}</ref> Tanks and cylinders should be maintained and inspected in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, and only used by trained individuals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Air Gun Shooting Sports Safety Guide - Compressed Air/CO<sub>2</sub> Safety |url=https://firearmtraining.nra.org/documents/pdf/education/airgun_safetyguide-5.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627114204/https://firearmtraining.nra.org/documents/pdf/education/airgun_safetyguide-5.pdf |archive-date=27 June 2024 |language=en-us |url-status=live |publisher=National Rifle Association of America |access-date=27 June 2024}}</ref>

===Toxins and pollutants===
In recent years the toxic effects of ammunition and firearm cleaning agents have been highlighted.<ref name="NIOSH"/>

*Lead dust may build up on indoor ranges.<ref name="NIOSH"/>
*Lead ammunition left in nature may become mobilized by [[Acid rain#Soils|acid rain]].
*Older ammunition may have [[mercury (element)|mercury]]-based primers.
*Lead accumulates in shooting range backstops.<ref name="NIOSH"/>

Indoor ranges require good ventilation to remove pollutants such as powder, smoke, and lead dust from the air around the shooters, and regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent buildup of contaminants.<ref name="NIOSH"/><ref>{{cite web |title=JSP403 - Chapter 30 - Control of Hazardous Substances in Indoor Ranges |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/138248/JSP403_Vol2_Chap30_DLRSC.pdf |website=UK Government Publishing Service |publisher=Ministry of Defense |access-date=27 June 2024 |language=en-gb }}</ref>

Indoor and outdoor ranges typically require extensive decontamination when they are decommissioned to remove all traces of lead, copper, and powder residues from the area.
Lead, copper and other metals will also be released when a firearm is cleaned. Highly aggressive solvents and other agents used to remove lead and powder fouling may also present a hazard to health. Installing good ventilation, washing hands after handling firearms, and cleaning the space where the firearm was handled lessens the risk of unnecessary exposure. (Be warned) when cleaning your said firearm, be aware if the chamber is cleared and safe to store, accidental use is the most important step for insuring your firearm is not broken or anything outside of the area.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}