AgEd Today Timely Topics Sample

The slang phrase "getting the lead out" refers to moving or working faster. Today's timely topic covers something different -- removing lead from hunting and fishing use. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that lead was recognized as a "potentially deadly toxin" and had been removed from paint and gasoline by the mid 1990s. Lead continued to be used in ammunition and in fishing tackle after that time, however.

Lead in the form of pellets, bullet fragments or fishing gear can slowly poison waterfowl, upland game birds and scavenger birds. Bald eagles, condors, loons and Canadian geese are just a few of the birds affected by lead ingestion.

Research has also shown that lead bullets do fragment, often into pieces so small they cannot be detected. Humans, especially pregnant women and children, can be affected by these small fragments. The North Dakota Department of Health advised food pantries not to accept donated venison because of health concerns over lead fragment contamination.

Lead also has the potential to contaminate the water table when it dissolves from areas with large amounts of lead shot concentrations, such as near shooting ranges.

Lead has both tradition and low cost on its side, but other materials may be substituted in both ammunition and fishing gear. Some possibilities are steel, tungsten and tin, but there are many others. Lead may someday be replaced with more wildlife- and human-friendly materials.

Here are some related Internet resources.

• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) report on lead poisoning in wild birds
  http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/fact_sheets/pdfs/lead_poisoning_wild_birds_2009.pdf
  
  
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports on the problem of lead bullet fragmentation.
  Includes a narrated presentation with photographs and x-rays showing bullet fragments
  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/lead/index.html
  
  
• Conference on ingestion of spent ammunition and its possible effects on humans and wildlife
  http://www.peregrinefund.org/lead_conference/2008PbConf_media.htm#Frequently_Asked_Questions
  
  
• Article about the risks of lead fragments in venison
  http://www.scienceline.org/2010/01/deer-hunters-at-risk/
  
  
• North Dakota Dept. of Health information about lead in venison
  http://www.ndhealth.gov/lead/venison/
  
  
• The Peregrine Fund has collected a number of links to lead-related resources from state and federal government sources
  http://www.peregrinefund.org/lead_conference/2008PbConf_links.htm
  
  
• USGS video on lead shot and sinkers
  11:25-minute video discusses history and current practice. A printed transcript is also provided.
  http://www.usgs.gov/corecast/details.asp?ID=86

Now that's a timely topic!

Photo credit: USFWS photo by Sheila Schmeling shows a sinker and stones in a common loon stomach. The yellow circle indicates the sinker.

Have a happy Wednesday!

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