US EPA

543124 

Journal Article 

Evidence of lead shot problems for wildlife, the environment, and human health - implications for Minnesota 

Kimmel, RO; Tranel, MA 

2008 

2007 

96-115 

There is considerable evidence published in professional scientific journals demonstrating that lead shot negatively impacts the health of wildlife, humans, and the environment. More than 100 species of birds (including upland birds, raptors, and waterfowl) have been weakened or killed by ingesting lead shot. The impacts of lead shot on wildlife include decreased survival, poor body condition, behavioral changes, and impaired reproduction. Studies in Canada, Greenland, and Russia have linked lead shot found in game animals to higher levels of lead in people who eat those game animals. Recent evidence shows that meat far from entry wounds may contain lead fragments. Effective nontoxic alternatives to lead shot are available at a similar cost. Countries, such as Denmark and The Netherlands, as well as some states in Australia have banned the use of lead shot. In North America, federal regulations prohibit the use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting and 26 states and provinces have additional nontoxic shot regulations for hunting doves, pheasants, and other species.