Hunting with lead shot and your health

What is lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal. It is used in some shotgun cartridges (lead shot) and fishing sinkers.

There is no safe level of lead in people. Any level of lead in the body can have an effect on health.

Children absorb lead more easily.

Low levels of lead can cause learning and behavioural problems. High levels of lead can cause stomach problems, vomiting, seizures and coma.

Where can lead poisoning happen?

Lead can poison the environment. Ducks and geese can absorb lead from the soil when they are feeding or when they are shot.

Lead pellets are often found in the gizzards (giblets) of geese and ducks. Lead can concentrate in the liver.

How can you avoid lead?

There are no safe levels of lead in humans. You should use steel shot or other non-lead shot.

Using lead shot is not recommended but if you do, make sure you:

• Wash your hands and clothes after hunting or handling lead
• Remove lead pellets if possible and avoid eating them
• Do not allow children to play with lead shot or lead fishing sinkers

For more information

If you hunt with lead shot and are worried about it, talk to your local clinic.

For more information on elevated blood lead level.