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The transition to non-lead sporting ammunition and fishing weights: Review of progress and barriers to implementation

  • Lead Use in Hunting
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… that this mischievous Effect of Lead is at least above Sixty years old, and you will observe with Concern how long a useful Truth may be known and exist before it is receiv’d and practic’d on. (Franklin 1786)

Abstract

This review presents evidence of lead exposure and toxicity to wildlife and humans from spent shotgun and rifle ammunition and fishing weights, and the barriers and bridges to completing the transition to non-lead products. Despite the international availability of effective non-lead substitutes, and that more jurisdictions are adopting suitable policies and regulations, a broader transition to non-lead alternatives is prevented because resolution remains divided among disparate human user constituencies. Progress has occurred only where evidence is most compelling or where a responsible public authority with statutory powers has managed to change mindsets in the wider public interest. Arguments opposing lead bans are shown to lack validity. Differing national regulations impede progress, requiring analysis to achieve better regulation. Evidence that lead bans have reduced wildlife exposure should be used more to promote sustainable hunting and fishing. Evidence of the lead contribution from hunted game to human exposure should shape policy and regulation to end lead ammunition use. The Special Issue presents evidence that a transition to non-lead products is both warranted and feasible.

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Notes

  1. “Non-lead” means containing less than 1% lead by mass, as is used synonymously with “lead-free” and “non-toxic.”

  2. https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/d7fb96cf-7956-7406-3568-399ca20151e0.

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The authors are grateful to the reviewers for their constructive comments on this paper. Funding was provided from the personal private resources of the authors.

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Thomas, V.G., Kanstrup, N. & Fox, A.D. The transition to non-lead sporting ammunition and fishing weights: Review of progress and barriers to implementation. Ambio 48, 925–934 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-018-1132-x

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