Can greener bullets protect both people and the planet? This study uses life cycle analysis (LCA) to evaluate replacing lead in small arms ammunition with a tungsten-tin composite, particularly at US Department of Energy training facilities. The research addresses the critical need for environmentally conscious practices in traditionally harmful sectors. It explores costs, performance, health impacts, and raw material availability, comparing lead and tungsten-tin projectiles. Key findings reveal that tungsten-tin performs comparably or better than lead while posing fewer health and environmental risks. A cost analysis favors tungsten-tin due to reduced maintenance expenses, despite a higher initial price. The study integrates data from material science, environmental science, and cost analysis to provide a holistic assessment. Ultimately, the LCA demonstrates that tungsten-tin is a superior alternative to lead, balancing performance, cost, and environmental impact. Although tungsten availability presents a challenge, the ability to revert to lead and the recyclability of tungsten-tin mitigate these concerns. This work provides a model for evaluating and implementing greener alternatives in various industries.
Published in Environmental Management and Health, this paper aligns with the journal's focus on sustainable practices. It uses life cycle analysis, a key methodology in environmental management, to assess the environmental and health impacts of ammunition, a topic of growing concern. By addressing material selection, this study contributes to the journal's discussion of reducing pollution and improving environmental health.