For The Tribune

The rental of three local National Guard armories, including the one at Seymour, to the public has been suspended until further notice as crews work to reduce levels of lead dust in the buildings.

Indoor firing ranges formerly located in armories across the state left behind residue that included lead dust, which can cause health issues if inhaled frequently. Ongoing artillery maintenance at the armories also can leave traces of the dust.

During a routine test of lead dust levels, National Guard officials identified Seymour, Columbus, North Vernon and 46 other Indiana armories as having possible contamination.

In this situation, contamination means that the lead dust levels are only safe by industrial standards, not residential standards, said Lt. Col. Cathy Van Bree, spokeswoman for the Indiana National Guard.

A safe industrial level of lead dust is 200 micrograms per square foot. The National Guard, however, is working to lower those levels to the residential standard, which is 40 micrograms per square foot, Van Bree said.

All events scheduled at the armories in the near future are being canceled until further notice. The space cannot be used for future rentals until the building is cleared by National Guard personnel.

“That’s why this is such a big issue and widespread,” Van Bree said. “We want to make sure we are doing the right thing and taking safety precautions.”

The Seymour armory, 1925 First Ave., Freeman Field, has been rented for wedding receptions, sporting events, gun and crafts shows and other events.

Van Bree said she did not have an estimate of how long it would take for the Seymour armory or the others to be cleared but that officials were working as quickly as possible.

Civilians may enter the armory only for official business, such as obtaining or updating a military identification card.

Armory employees can still enter the administrative areas of the buildings to work. Special accommodations are being made for pregnant employees.

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To learn more about lead dust contamination, reducing lead dust levels or armory closures, contact Lt. Col. Cathy Van Bree of the Indiana National Guard at 317-407-7065.

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Long-term exposure to lead dust in high levels can cause various health effects, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Memory loss
• Pain or tingling in the hands and feet
• Weakness

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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