If the lead waste in hunting and fishing is not limited, around 876,000 tonnes of lead will be released into the environment over the next 20 years through these alone. Through the food chain, such quantities have an impact on human health, particularly children, and far-reaching effects on the environment as a whole. The European Chemicals Agency has estimated that at least 135 million birds could die from direct ingestion of lead, for example.
There have also been cases in Estonia where a person has been wounded by lead ammunition or fishing gear. This means that, in addition to the wound, heavy metal poisoning must also be treated.
The problem requires regulation at EU level to protect both nature and human health.
For example, in the case of fishing, the sale of lead sinkers and lures will be phased out after two years, but existing stocks could be used until they run out, for a minimum of 5 years in total. The transition periods in hunting and shooting sports are longer.
The derogation for the use of lead does not extend to the security and defence sector.
