Lead has been used in ammunition for hunting and sports shooting and in fishing tackle for centuries. It is estimated that each year around 100 000 tonnes of lead is dispersed into the EU environment from these uses. The European Chemicals Agency has looked into the possible risks from these uses to wildlife, livestock, the environment, and human health. It concluded that there are risks that are not adequately controlled and need to be addressed at the EU level.

We interviewed representatives from different organisations during an event organised by ECHA where stakeholders shared their views on a potential restriction on the use of lead in ammunition for hunting and sports shooting.

In this episode, we interview Dr. Ruth Cromie from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust to share her views on the restriction of lead ammunition in hunting.

According to their website, WWT is a UK-based conservation charity that protects wetlands for wildlife and people. Ruth manages their ecosystem health unit that carries out a variety of different activities including surveillance for emerging and priority wetland diseases such as avian influenza and lead poisoning. They also carry out advocacy work to try and persuade shooters to use non-toxic ammunition.

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• Lead in shots, bullets, and fishing weights: what is the EU doing?

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Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.

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