STATE ESTIMATES OF HOUSEHOLD EXPOSURE TO FIREARMS, LOADED FIREARMS, AND HANDGUNS, 1991 THROUGH 1995

Objectives. Variations among states in household exposure to firearms, loaded firearms, and handguns were examined. Methods. Data from the B ehavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 22 states were used to es timate the prevalence of adults and children exposed to household fire arms. Results. The prevalence of adults living in households with fire arms ranged from 12% to 57%; the corresponding ranges were 1% to 23% f or loaded firearms and 5% to 36% for handguns. The prevalence of child ren less than 18 years of age living in households with loaded firearm s ranged from 2% to 12%. Conclusion. Important variations among states exist in the prevalence of adults and children living in households w ith firearms, loaded firearms, and handguns.