Loss of Life and Poisoning by Toxic Lead Ammunition

Each year approximately 3,000 tons of lead is released into our environment from hunting alone. It has been found that this has caused the death of unsuspecting children and wildlife each year. Wildlife and children die each year from consuming lead shells. Lead ammunition is not regulated by the American or Canadian government, so hunters continue to inflict this unnecessary pain on countless wildlife each year. The effect of lead poisoning on wildlife is a long, painful, and unnecessary death.

Education and legislation which prevents the use of lead ammunition would be an easy solution. Lead ammunition is dangerous to all wildlife, not to mention the benefit to our environment alone from eliminating these toxic remnants. There are in fact numerous lead-free, non-toxic options available on the market today. Lead ammunition is unnecessary and outdated and adds to the current environmental concerns we already are facing. These alternatives are more environmentally friendly and would end death caused by lead poisoning of humans, children and wildlife. So the decision and solution should be rather simple right?

Humans are also affected by these toxic remnants left behind by hunters. Children exploring and playing in wooded areas have encountered lead ammunition and are at risk of death by lead poisoning. Endangered species are a particular concern. We know that human health is negatively affected by lead found unnaturally in the environment. While the solution is easily rectified one would wonder why it has not been. Legislation that bans lead from hunting ammunition is long overdue. If lead ammunition were completely banned and no longer available, hunters would have no other option but to use lead free ammunition. Research has told me the difference in price between the cost of lead ammunition and lead-free sources is nominal. It appears as though education about the environmental impact if lead ammunition is long overdue.

 

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