Andrew Wetzler's Blog
Get the Lead Out
August 28, 2007
Posted by Andrew Wetzler in Saving Wildlife and Wild Places
Yesterday, the California Fish and Game Commission held another hearing to discuss the threat that the use of lead ammunition poses to California condors. The hearing takes place just over a week after the news that yet another California condor — Condor #245— died from the deadly effects of lead poisoning. Lead exposure is probably the single greatest threats to reestablishing healthy population of California condors, North America's largest terrestrial bird. And, despite what the wiz kids at the NRA would like you to believe, there's no real scientific dispute about the matter. In fact, scientists recently compared blood-lead isotopes, which act as chemical signatures for different sources of lead, in exposed condors to the lead isotopes in commercially available ammunition. Their conclusion? Lead ammunition is "the principle source" of lead exposure to California condors. In response to a petition filed by NRDC and other groups with the California Fish and Game Commission, California is now considering a ban of the use of lead ammunition for hunting deer and other game in condor habitat. NRDC also filed a lawsuit against members the Commission under the U.S. Endangered Species Act to ensure that they do the right thing. The good news is that alternative ammunition, made from copper and other materials, is readily available and performs every bit as well as traditional lead ammunition. But the Commission — which as been considering the problem for far too long — continues to drag their feet. I guess we will see ‘em in court.
(bookmark or email this entry)
Comments are closed for this post.
- Andrew Wetzler
- Director, Endangered Species Project
- Chicago
- I grew up in New York City but spent my summers canoeing and hiking in...
- more→
Comments
Courtney — Aug 30 2007 11:15 AM
I may be a little slow here... but if the lead is coming from bullets used in Deer hunting-- shouldn't there be human health concerns associated with their use as well?
Animals aside, do I understand correctly that hunters are essentially lobbying to maintian their right to expose themselves, their families and their BBQ friends to lead every hunting season?
Andrew Wetzler — Aug 30 2007 12:08 PM
You're exactly right. X-rays of game shot with lead bullets show that lead ammunition can fragment into extremely small particles. Even hunters who clean their game carefully can miss a fragment. And lead is such a toxic material that even small amounts can be harmful if ingested (especially if ingested by children). In fact, studies of communities that depend on subsistence hunting for a large portion of their diet have shown elevated blood-lead levels that scientists believe is caused by consuming game shot with lead ammunition.