Lead has been used in ammunition for hunting and sports shooting and in fishing tackle for centuries. It is estimated that around 44 000 tonnes of lead are dispersed into the EU environment from these uses each year: 57 % from sports shooting, 32 % from hunting and 11 % from fishing activities.

The use of ammunition or fishing tackle containing lead is known to cause lead poisoning of wildlife, such as birds. People’s health may also be affected by the residual lead present in game killed using lead ammunition, or when making lead ammunition or fishing sinkers or lures at home. If the current releases of lead from these activities continue, approximately 876 000 tonnes of lead would end up in the environment over the next 20 years. 

ECHA has proposed a restriction on lead use in hunting, sports shooting and in fishing.  The proposed restriction could reduce lead emissions by approximately 630 000 tonnes over 20 years following its introduction. This is a reduction of 72 % compared to a situation without the proposed restriction. 

Want to learn more? Visit the website of the European Chemicals Agency