Health and Environmental Risks from Lead-based Ammunition: Science Versus Socio-Politics

Arnemo, Jon M.; Andersen, Oddgeir; Stokke, Sigbjørn; Thomas, Vernon G.; Krone, Olivier; Pain, Deborah J.; Mateo, Rafael

doi:10.1007/s10393-016-1177-x

Cited by 86 publications

(60 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…Because of the importance of and historic use of lead in ammunition for firearms, study of wildlife exposure to lead is controversial and conclusions are heavily debated (Arnemo et al ., ). There is a consensus in peer‐reviewed literature that ingestion of lead, especially spent lead ammunition, is the predominant source of lead in most wildlife today (Bellinger et al ., ; Haig et al ., ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…There is a consensus in peer‐reviewed literature that ingestion of lead, especially spent lead ammunition, is the predominant source of lead in most wildlife today (Bellinger et al ., ; Haig et al ., ). This consensus, however, is not shared universally (Harradine, ; Bronson, ; Arnemo et al ., ; and http://www.huntfortruth.org/; https://www.nraila.org/), and empirically‐based studies evaluating different mechanisms for lead intake would provide additional clarity on routes of exposure to lead by wildlife.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Origins of lead in populations of raptors

Katzner

Stuber

Slabe

et al. 2017

Animal Conservation

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Although poisoning from anthropogenically derived lead threatens wildlife of many species, routes of lead exposure are unclear and rarely empirically tested. We used blood lead concentration and isotope ratio ( 207 Pb/ 206 Pb) data from populations of four species of raptors from across North America to test hypotheses associated with lead exposure via inhalation versus ingestion. Mean variation in blood lead concentration among cohort siblings was non-zero at nests of ferruginous hawks Buteo regalis and osprey Pandion haliaetus (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), indicating exposure via episodic ingestion. However, within-nest variation in blood lead concentration was not significantly different from zero among cohort siblings at nests of bald eagles Haliaeetus leucocephalus and golden eagles Aquila chrysaetos (P = 0.014 and P = 0.023), consistent with exposure via continuous inhalation. Isotope ratio data corroborated the lead concentration data and within-nest average and variance of blood lead concentrations were positively correlated (r = 0.70 to 0.94), indicating episodic ingestion. This study provides some of the first empirical population-level data to evaluate mechanisms of lead exposure and demonstrates the importance of lead ingestion to avian predators and scavengers.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Origins of lead in populations of raptors

Katzner

Stuber

Slabe

et al. 2017

Animal Conservation

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“…In contrast, deforming copper bullets can withstand fragmentation and thus sustain momentum ensuring proper penetration (Hunt et al , Batha and Lehman , Gremse et al ). Although copper bullets are considered to be nontoxic (Thomas et al , Caudell et al , Franson et al , Irschik et al ), there is a huge body of evidence showing that fragments from lead‐based ammunition contaminate venison, carcasses, and offal from shot animals (Iqbal et al , Kosnett , Grund et al , Lindboe et al , Bellinger et al , Arnemo et al ). However, few studies have quantified lead fragments in the carcasses of big game shot with lead‐based bullets (Hunt et al , ; Knott et al ; Cruz‐Martinez et al ).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Metal deposition of copper and lead bullets in moose harvested in Fennoscandia

2017

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Fragments from bullets used for moose (Alces alces) hunting contaminate meat, gut piles, and offal and expose humans and scavengers to lead and copper. We sampled bullets (n ¼ 1,655) retrieved from harvested moose in Fennoscandia (Finland, Sweden, and Norway) to measure loss of lead and copper. Concordant questionnaires (n ¼ 5,255) supplied ballistic information to complete this task. Hunters preferred lead-based

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“…. this is now a socio‐political issue” (Arnemo et al : 621). A strategic and nationally organized programmatic approach would successfully increase voluntary use of nonlead ammunition and fishing tackle among hunters and anglers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…. this is now a socio‐political issue” (Arnemo et al , p. 621). Bridging knowledge with action requires communication strategies that align with dominant social and political narratives (Lindenfeld et al , Hall et al ).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Communication strategies for reducing lead poisoning in wildlife and human health risks

et al. 2019

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Although lead poisoning in North American waterfowl has been reduced, it persists among other wildlife. To address this issue, we review lead poisoning in wildlife and threats to human health, describe the recent socio-political landscape, and develop a framework for reducing lead exposure related to hunting ammunition and fishing tackle. Despite substantial information about lead poisoning in wildlife, an explicit and strategic plan for using existing information to develop an effective communication program is lacking. Local and regional efforts encouraging hunters and anglers to voluntarily use nonlead alternatives could benefit from a nationally coordinated and strategic focus. We propose that the diffusion of innovation theory provides a useful framework for developing and implementing voluntary nonlead hunting ammunition and fishing tackle programs. Further, it can help communicators refine messages, increase efficiencies in developing communication materials, and monitor adoption of nonlead alternatives. The initial step in this process, however, is to engage stakeholders about the importance of the issue and leverage that concern as a catalyst for positive change. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

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Health and Environmental Risks from Lead-based Ammunition: Science Versus Socio-Politics

Cited by 86 publications

References 31 publications

Origins of lead in populations of raptors

Origins of lead in populations of raptors

Metal deposition of copper and lead bullets in moose harvested in Fennoscandia

Communication strategies for reducing lead poisoning in wildlife and human health risks

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