AFTE Store - GUNFIRE AS A HAZARD TO FETAL DEVELOPMENT

Adult hearing loss from excessinve exposure to noise is well documented. It has been thought that fetal hearing loss is unlikely due to the attenuation of the tissue and fluids protecting it. Recent epidemiological research has shown that infants born of women exposed to loud noise may experience significant sensioneural hearing loss. Additional research on sheep exposed to impact and continuous noise has led the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists to recommend that pregnant women at or beyond the fifth month should not be exposed to noises greater than 155dBC. Since most firearms produce or exceed this sound level, pregnant firearm examiners beyond the fifth month of gestation should rely on other firearm examiners to discharge weapons during the remainder of their pregnancy.