HE lead poisoningA disease caused by ingestion of lead from hunting ammunition, it affects all wild birds. This was reported by the study “ Plumbing in land birds in Spain: Contamination by lead ammunition beyond humid areas ” recently published by SEO/BirdLife. Report reviews The impact of lead use on biodiversity as well as the possible harm to human health.
Many European and Spanish organizations, including SEO/BirdLife, have approved the regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances (REACH), inclusion of lead as a banned substance For uses it still has in the natural environment: ammo And fishing weights.
Latest forecasts show that Around 20,000 tonnes of lead are fired each year in rural areas of the European UnionThis represents a huge impact on the natural environment.
SEO/BirdLife, with the support of the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenges, commissioned a special study on the effects of lead from experts from the Hunting Resources Research Institute (IREC) and the Environmental Diagnostic and Research Institute. Water Studies (IDAEA). The main conclusion is that plumbing affects all wild birds.
Risk to humans
one. accumulation of lead ammunitionPellets, especially in dense partridge hunting reserves, hunting areas from fixed positions and sports shooting ranges, Risk of lead poisoning in birds eating grain on landIn addition This causes metal contamination in soil, water, plants and the food chain in general..
2. Lead pellets were found to be ingested in four bird species They are granivores in Spain and their prevalence is between 3.9% and 9.3%. In three of these (red partridge, Moorish partridge and wood pigeon), concentrations detected in the liver can become lethal in some individuals.
3. The use of pellets for small game and lead bullets for large game is the main cause of lead poisoning in birds of prey..
4. Lead shot consumption or high levels of lead in tissues were detected in 20 raptor species in Spain. In 12 of these species, concentrations detected in some individuals became lethal. The incidence of lethal poisoning in three of these (griffon vulture, golden eagle and goshawk) is over 10%, and the daily exposure frequency in the griffon vulture is 3.2-3.3%.
5. non-lethal effects Those observed in birds of prey exposed to high levels of lead in the wild in Spain include a decrease in the δ-ALAD enzyme, changes in plasma phosphorus levels, bone mineralization and oxidative stress. In experimental and field studies on red partridge, Adverse effects on clutch size, sperm quality, immune response, bone mineralization, skin color, and antioxidant defenses.
6. It is estimated that Mortality from ingestion of lead ammunition represents a decline in raptor populations below their carrying capacityIn golden eagles, this rate can go up to 13.2%.
7. Ammunition is also an important source of lead in game meats intended for human consumption.This results in a high percentage of game (around 50%) exceeding the maximum lead levels set by the EU for meat.
Less toxic alternatives
The following issues will soon be on the agenda of the European Commission (EC): Lead ammunition restriction for all types of hunting and shooting in outdoor sports, In addition to lead weights used in fishingOn the proposal of the European Agency for Chemicals and Mixtures (ECHA). However, SEO/BirdLife points out that although ECHA expressed its opinion on the ban a year ago, the EC has not yet published the first proposal, which it is required to submit within three months.
“We insist on this Consideration should be given to replacing ammunition made from this heavy metal with less toxic alternatives. to guarantee Sustainability In hunting and fishing activities. In addition to this latest report, ECHA had already recognized the risk of lead to the environment and public health in a study in 2018,” underlines the environmental NGO.
Starting this Monday, the Uzbek city of Samarkand will host the 14th conference of the parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), also known informally as the ‘Bonn Convention’. This meeting will discuss, among other issues, the issue of lead elimination, although the previous three conferences had reached unanimous agreement on this issue.
Since lead, like other heavy metals, is an extremely toxic and bioaccumulating substance, its effects become chronic.. Her dangerousness It has led to the disappearance of many areas of use, such as increasing the octane number of fuels, giving color to paints or providing additives, or making water pipes.
Taking into account the evidence on its toxicity, Spain was a pioneer in banning the use of lead for hunting in wetlands; this spread throughout the EU and then to other countries.. “But, Lead from hunting ammunition affects not only waterfowl but also land birdsThis new study revealed that many different species were seen, from partridges to birds of prey or necrophages,” says SEO/BirdLife.
Link to report: Plumbing in land birds in Spain Contamination from lead ammunition beyond humid areas.