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Belant JL, Bennett A, Kellner KF, Mancha-Cisneros MDM. Ecosystem services from wildlife harvests. Bioscience 2024; 74:352-354. [PMID: 39055370 PMCID: PMC11266979 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biae039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jerrold L Belant
- Wild Foods Institute, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Abigail Bennett
- Wild Foods Institute, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Kenneth F Kellner
- Wild Foods Institute, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Maria del Mar Mancha-Cisneros
- Wild Foods Institute, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
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Green RE, Taggart MA, Guiu M, Waller H, Pap S, Sheldon R, Pain DJ. Difference in concentration of lead (Pb) in meat from pheasants killed using lead and iron (Fe) shotgun ammunition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170356. [PMID: 38272095 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The use of lead shotgun ammunition for hunting has been banned in a few jurisdictions and habitats, principally to protect wild birds from poisoning by ingestion of spent lead shot. The EU and UK REACH processes have recently considered bans on lead ammunition throughout the European Union and United Kingdom, including assessments of possible health benefits from reduced human dietary exposure to lead from game meat. Comparisons of the mean lead concentrations in meat from gamebirds killed using lead and non‑lead shotgun ammunition have not been published. We compared lead concentrations in meat from wild-shot pheasants from which lead shotgun pellets were recovered (n = 27) with those from which iron pellets were recovered (n = 20), having removed all pellets from the meat before analysis. The mean concentration of lead in meat from pheasants killed using lead shot was 2.10 mg/kg w.w., which is >20 times the European Union's maximum permitted level for the lead concentration in meat from domesticated animals. For pheasants killed using iron shot the mean was 0.07 mg/kg w.w., which is below the maximum permitted level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys E Green
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK; RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK.
| | - Mark A Taggart
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Castle Street, Thurso KW14 7JD, UK
| | - Maider Guiu
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Castle Street, Thurso KW14 7JD, UK
| | - Hayley Waller
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Castle Street, Thurso KW14 7JD, UK
| | - Sabolc Pap
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Castle Street, Thurso KW14 7JD, UK
| | - Rob Sheldon
- 78 Riverdene Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 2EA, UK
| | - Deborah J Pain
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
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Hampton JO, Cobb ML, Toop SD, Flesch JS, Hyndman TH. Elevated lead exposure in Australian hunting dogs during a deer hunting season. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121317. [PMID: 36828357 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There is growing recognition of the threat posed by toxic lead-based ammunition. One group of domestic animals known to be susceptible to harmful lead exposure via this route is hunting dogs. Scent-trailing dogs ('hounds') are used to hunt introduced sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) during a prescribed eight-month (April-November) annual hunting season, during which they are fed fresh venison, in Victoria, south-eastern Australia. We used this annual season as a natural experiment to undertake longitudinal sampling of dogs for lead exposure. Blood was collected from 27 dogs owned by four different deer hunters and comprising three different breeds just prior to the start of the hound hunting season (March 2022) and in the middle of the season (August 2022), and blood lead levels (BLLs) (μg/dL) were determined via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Using Tobit regression, the expected BLLs across all dogs were significantly lower before the season (0.50 μg/dL, standard error [SE] = 0.32 μg/dL) than during the season (1.39 μg/dL, SE = 0.35 μg/dL) (p = 0.01). However, when the breed of dog was included in the analyses, this effect was only significant in beagles (P < 0.001), not bloodhounds (p = 0.73) or harriers (p = 0.43). For 32% of the dogs before the season, and 56% during the season, BLLs exceeded the established threshold concentration for developmental neurotoxicity in humans (1.2 μg/dL). Time since most recent venison feeding, sex of dog and owner were not associated with BLLs. The finding that BLLs more than doubled during the hunting season indicates that lead exposure is a risk in this context. These results expand the sphere of impact from environmental lead in Australia from wild animals and humans, to include some groups of domestic animals, a textbook example of a One Health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan O Hampton
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Mia L Cobb
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Simon D Toop
- Game Management Authority, Level 2, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Jason S Flesch
- Game Management Authority, Level 2, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Timothy H Hyndman
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Western Australia, 6150, Australia; School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
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Hampton JO, Pain DJ, Buenz E, Firestone SM, Arnemo JM. Lead contamination in Australian game meat. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:50713-50722. [PMID: 36797390 PMCID: PMC10104915 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25949-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Lead-based ammunition (gunshot and bullets) frequently leaves small lead fragments embedded in the meat of wild-shot game animals. Australia produces several commercial game meat products from wild animals harvested with lead-based ammunition and has a growing population of recreational hunters. However, no studies have previously investigated the frequency of lead fragments or lead concentrations in Australian game meat. We examined 133 Australian minced game meat items of four types for evidence of lead contamination. Samples were meat from kangaroos (Macropus and Osphranter spp.; n=36) and Bennett's wallabies (Notamacropus rufogriseus; n=28) sold for human consumption, and deer ('venison'; multiple spp.; n=32) and stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis; n=37) harvested for private consumption by recreational hunters. All packages were studied by digital radiography to detect the presence of radio-dense fragments, assumed to be lead fragments from ammunition. Visible fragments were absent in commercially available kangaroo products, but were present in 4%, 28% and 35% of wallaby, venison and quail, respectively. Mean meat lead concentrations (mg/kg wet weight) were 0.01 ± 0.01 for kangaroo, 0.02 ± 0.01 for wallaby, 0.12 ± 0.07 for venison, and 1.76 ± 3.76 for quail. The Australian food standards threshold for livestock meat (0.1 mg/kg w.w.) was not exceeded by any kangaroo or wallaby products but was exceeded by 53% and 86% of venison and quail, respectively. Radiography only detected 35% of samples that were above the food safety threshold. While average lead concentrations in commercially available macropod (kangaroo and wallaby) meat were low, those in recreationally harvested game meat may pose health risks for hunters and associated consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan O Hampton
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Deborah J Pain
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ, UK
| | - Eric Buenz
- Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Simon M Firestone
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Jon M Arnemo
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
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5
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Sonne C, Lam SS, Kanstrup N. The environmental threats from lead ammunition. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH 2023; 2:16-17. [PMID: 38074451 PMCID: PMC10702884 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Image 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Technological Sciences, Department of Ecoscience, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | - Su Shiung Lam
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
- University Centre for Research and Development, Department of Chemistry, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Niels Kanstrup
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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Sonne C, Adams DH, Alstrup AKO, Lam SS, Dietz R, Kanstrup N. Denmark passes total ban of leaded ammunition. Science 2022; 377:1054-1055. [PMID: 36048932 DOI: 10.1126/science.ade3150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Denmark.,Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | | | | | - Su Shiung Lam
- University Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Denmark
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Pain DJ, Green RE, Taggart MA, Kanstrup N. How contaminated with ammunition-derived lead is meat from European small game animals? Assessing and reducing risks to human health. AMBIO 2022; 51:1772-1785. [PMID: 35536507 PMCID: PMC9200912 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01737-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Small game animals are generally hunted with lead gunshot which often fragments causing elevated lead concentrations in meat and presenting health risks to frequent consumers and vulnerable groups. We reviewed three decades of European data on lead concentrations in the meat of gamebirds, rabbits and hares across countries with various restrictions on lead gunshot use. Mean meat lead concentrations decreased to a low level in Denmark, the only country in the study with a total ban on lead gunshot use. In contrast, elsewhere in Europe meat lead concentrations increased over time, an unexplained and previously undescribed finding. The only regulatory restriction associated with a decrease in meat lead concentrations was the Danish total ban on lead gunshot use. We calculated an arithmetic mean lead concentration in small game meat of 5.205 ppm w.w. (2011-2021) from across Europe. EU and UK regulators are considering banning lead ammunition for all hunting to protect human and wildlife health. The mean value we found for small game meat (2011-2021) was fourteen times higher than that used in a recent EU-wide risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J. Pain
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Rhys E. Green
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ UK
- Centre for Conservation Science, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, SG19 2DL Bedfordshire UK
| | - Mark A. Taggart
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Castle Street, Thurso, KW14 7AP UK
| | - Niels Kanstrup
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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LeBleu G, Landry MJ. Hunting-Based Food Donation Programs: Program Characteristics Across the US. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 54:677-683. [PMID: 35595636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hunting-based food donation (HBFD) programs are unique food assistance programs because they provide under-resourced food bank participants with a quality protein source. This study aimed to summarize the characteristics of US HBFD programs and discuss the potential barriers and considerations to use or access these programs. METHODS Data were collected via a web search for HBFD programs within all 50 states and the District of Columbia. RESULTS Most states were found to have an active program (n = 36), whereas 14 states and the District of Columbia do not have programs. Game donation amounts vary greatly between states, and funding for these programs typically comes from a government agency. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Hunting-based food donation can positively impact the food security and nutritional status of vulnerable populations. Nutrition professionals can aid in promoting awareness of these programs and provide nutrition education around wild game nutrition, safety, and food preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace LeBleu
- Graduate Group in Nutritional Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Matthew J Landry
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA.
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Tidball KG, Tidball MM, Curtis PD. Locally Procured Wild Game Culinary Trends in the US: A Study of the Ruffed Grouse as Entrée and Accompanying Nutritional Analysis. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.852163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild-caught foods including game and fish can be part of a local, sustainable food system. Beneficial environmental, personal health, and nutrition claims are often linked to locally-sourced foods. Yet, because many species of wild game and fish that are legal to hunt or catch do not have nutrient data in the USDA food composition database these claims, especially in the realm of nutrition, are not well substantiated. To address this gap, the Cornell research team collaborated with USDA scientists to address shortcomings in nutrition information for several wild game and fish species, in this case Ruffed Grouse. A wildlife biologist with the Ruffed Grouse Society collected bird samples according to USDA-determined collection protocols to obtain edible meat portions. Nutrient analysis was conducted on raw Ruffed Grouse breast meat samples at USDA-validated laboratories using approved quality assurance procedures. Analytical data were sent to NDL scientists, who reviewed and compiled the data into full nutrient profiles for Ruffed Grouse which were made available in the USDA food composition database. This new nutritional information supplements the already-well-appreciated epicurean qualities of the Ruffed Grouse and contributes to the complex social construction of the notion of hunted food as gourmet entrée.
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10
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Hampton JO, Dunstan H, Toop SD, Flesch JS, Andreotti A, Pain DJ. Lead ammunition residues in a hunted Australian grassland bird, the stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis): Implications for human and wildlife health. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267401. [PMID: 35446880 PMCID: PMC9022800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Scavenging and predatory wildlife can ingest lead (Pb) from lead-based ammunition and become poisoned when feeding on shot game animals. Humans can similarly be exposed to ammunition-derived lead when consuming wild-shot game animals. Studies have assessed the degree of lead contamination in the carcasses of game animals but this scrutiny has not so far extended to Australia. Stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) are one of the only native non-waterfowl bird species that can be legally hunted in Australia, where it is commonly hunted with lead shot. The aim of this study was to characterize lead contamination in quail harvested with lead-based ammunition. The frequency, dimensions, and number of lead fragments embedded in carcasses were assessed through use of radiography (X-ray). From these data, the average quantity of lead available to scavenging wildlife was estimated along with potential risks to human consumers. We radiographed 37 stubble quail harvested by hunters using 12-gauge (2.75”) shotguns to fire shells containing 28 g (1 oz) of #9 (2 mm or 0.08” diameter) lead shot in western Victoria, Australia, in Autumn 2021. Radiographs revealed that 81% of carcasses contained embedded pellets and/or fragments with an average of 1.62 embedded pellets detected per bird. By excising and weighing a sample of 30 shotgun pellets (all had a mass of 0.75 grain or 48.6 mg), we calculated an average lead load of 78 mg/100 g of body mass. This was a conservative estimate, because fragments were not considered. This level of lead contamination was comparable to hunted bird species examined using similar methods in Europe. The quantity and characteristics of lead ammunition residues found suggest that predatory and scavenging wildlife and some groups of human consumers will be at risk of negative health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan O. Hampton
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Heath Dunstan
- Game Management Authority, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon D. Toop
- Game Management Authority, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Alessandro Andreotti
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Deborah J. Pain
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Nkosi DV, Bekker JL, Hoffman LC. Toxic Metals in Wild Ungulates and Domestic Meat Animals Slaughtered for Food Purposes: A Systemic Review. Foods 2021; 10:foods10112853. [PMID: 34829133 PMCID: PMC8621197 DOI: 10.3390/foods10112853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of toxic metals in harvested game meat is a cause for concern for public health and meat safety in general. Authorities and food safety agencies continue to develop guidelines and limits of the maximum allowable levels of toxic metals in food products. However, the situation is different for game meat products in developing countries, where a number of shortcomings have been identified. This includes a lack of game meat animal slaughter regulations, specific species' product limits that have not yet been established and the continued use of hunting or game meat animals' harvesting plans that could introduce the same toxic metals of concern. This review was conducted from English literature published between 2011 and 2021; it highlights the possible health effects and the shortcomings in the implementation of game meat safety production strategies for toxic metals (Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium and Mercury) in game meat animal production. Lead (Pb) remains the most significant threat for toxic metals contamination in game meat animals and the slaughter processes. In most developing countries, including in South Africa, the monitoring and control of these heavy metals in the game meat value chain has not yet been implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davies Veli Nkosi
- Department of Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-12-385-5283
| | - Johan Leon Bekker
- Department of Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Louwrens Christian Hoffman
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa;
- Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
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Maurice L, Barraza F, Blondet I, Ho-A-Chuck M, Tablon J, Brousse P, Demar M, Schreck E. Childhood lead exposure of Amerindian communities in French Guiana: an isotopic approach to tracing sources. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:4741-4757. [PMID: 33974199 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-00944-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In French Guiana were detected high lead (Pb) levels in blood of Amerindian people. Lead exposure is a serious hazard that can affect the cognitive and behavior development. People can be exposed to Pb through occupational and environmental sources. Fingerprinting based on stable Pb isotopes in environmental media is often used to trace natural and anthropogenic sources but is rarely paired with blood data. The objective of this study was to determine the main factors associated with high Blood Lead Levels (BLL). Soil, manioc tubers, food bowls, beverages, wild games, lead pellets and children blood were sampled in small villages along the Oyapock River. children BLL ranged between 5.7 and 35 µg dL-1, all exceeding 5 µg dL-1, the reference value proposed in epidemiologic studies for lead poisoning. Among the different dietary sources, manioc tubers and large game contained elevated Pb concentrations while manioc-based dishes were diluted. The isotopes ratios (207Pb/206Pb and 208Pb/206Pb) of children blood overlapped these of lead shots and meals. These first results confirm for the first time, the diary consumption of manioc-based food as the main contributor to Amerindian children's BLL in French Guiana, but don't exclude the occasional exposure to lead bullets by hunting activities. This is a specific health concern, since previous studies have shown that these same villagers present high levels of mercury (Hg). These communities are indeed subject to a double exposure to neurotoxic metals, Hg and Pb, both through their diet. The farming activity is based on manioc growing, and explaining that this ancestral practice can induce serious health risks for the child's development may seriously affect their food balance and cultural cohesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Maurice
- Geosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31400, Toulouse, IRD, France.
- Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, Área de Salud, P.O. Box 17-12-569, N22-80, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Fiorella Barraza
- Geosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31400, Toulouse, IRD, France
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1, Canada
- Instituto de Cultivos Tropicales (ICT), Tarapoto, Peru
| | - Isalyne Blondet
- Geosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31400, Toulouse, IRD, France
| | | | - Jessy Tablon
- Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS), 97336, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Paul Brousse
- Centre Hospitalier Andrée Rosemon (CHAR), Av. des Flamboyants, 97306, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Magalie Demar
- Centre Hospitalier Andrée Rosemon (CHAR), Av. des Flamboyants, 97306, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Eva Schreck
- Geosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31400, Toulouse, IRD, France
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Ludolphy C, Kierdorf U, Kierdorf H. Lead concentrations in antlers of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from an agricultural area in Northern Germany over a 119-year period-a historical biomonitoring study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:56069-56078. [PMID: 34047901 PMCID: PMC8500883 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14538-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the lead content in antlers of 90 adult European roe bucks (Capreolus capreolus) that had been culled between 1901 and 2019 in an agricultural-dominated hunting district in Lower Saxony (Northern Germany). Antler lead values ranged between 0.2 and 10.9 mg/kg dry weight. Median lead concentration was highest after World War II, during a period (1956-1984) of rapidly increasing mass motorization and use of leaded gasoline. Lead levels in antlers decreased markedly after the phase-out of leaded gasoline, but high values were still found in some recently collected antlers. This could indicate persistent lead pollution from former use of lead additives to gasoline, other traffic-related sources, or from agricultural sources (e.g., sewage sludge, fertilizers). This study highlights the suitability of analyzing roe deer antlers for the historical monitoring of changing lead levels in the environment. By collecting antlers and providing them for study, local hunters can significantly contribute to environmental surveillance and the monitoring of environmental pollution by bone-seeking contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina Ludolphy
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, Universitätsplatz 1, 31141, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Uwe Kierdorf
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, Universitätsplatz 1, 31141, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Horst Kierdorf
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, Universitätsplatz 1, 31141, Hildesheim, Germany.
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Fernández V, Caselli A, Tammone A, Condorí WE, Vanstreels RET, Delaloye A, Sosa C, Uhart MM. Lead exposure in dogs fed game meat and offal from culled invasive species in El Palmar National Park, Argentina. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:45486-45495. [PMID: 33864223 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13880-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This is the first field study to evaluate lead exposure in dogs fed game meat and offal and, to our knowledge, the first study exploring associations between game consumption and dog health status. We quantified lead concentrations in blood and hair and haematological parameters of 31 dogs fed game meat and offal from wild boar (Sus scrofa) and axis deer (Axis axis) culled with lead ammunition in El Palmar National Park, Argentina. Despite variable weekly frequency in game consumption, dogs had detectable blood and hair lead levels, demonstrating recent and chronic exposure. Lead geometric mean and SD were 18.91 ± 346.85 μg/dL w.w. in blood (range = 0.53-216.58), and 0.721 ± 6.444 μg/gr d.w. in hair (range = 0.007-34.800). Hair lead levels were relatively low in most samples, except for the oldest dog which had an atypically high value concurrent with anaemia, a common outcome of chronic lead exposure. Dog's owner was significantly predictive of both blood and hair lead levels, which reflects the same feeding patterns for all dogs owned by the same person. Body condition was associated with hair lead, with dogs in good condition presenting higher lead levels. This could be related to greater game consumption by those dogs, resulting in higher lead ingestion. Dogs fed game meat and offal at very low or low frequency (≤4 times per week) showed higher blood lead levels, suggesting there might not be a risk-free frequency for game provision to dogs. Considering the risks of dietary lead exposure, avoiding feeding dogs lead-killed game and replacing lead ammunition with non-toxic alternatives are recommended. This would allow using hunted game as a valuable food resource without unnecessary risk for the health of consumers and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Fernández
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Andrea Caselli
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agostina Tammone
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones Veterinarias (CONICET-CIVETAN), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Walter Ezequiel Condorí
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ralph Eric Thijl Vanstreels
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Institute of Research and Rehabilitation of Marine Animals (IPRAM), Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Aldo Delaloye
- Parque Nacional El Palmar, Administración de Parques Nacionales, Ubajay, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Cristian Sosa
- Parque Nacional El Palmar, Administración de Parques Nacionales, Ubajay, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Marcela María Uhart
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Tammone A, Caselli AE, Condorí WE, Fernandez V, Estein SM, Vanstreels RET, Sosa C, Delaloye A, Uhart MM. Lead exposure in consumers of culled invasive alien mammals in El Palmar National Park, Argentina. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:42432-42443. [PMID: 33813701 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13654-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Consumption of meat from animals hunted with Pb ammunition can cause toxic accumulation with consequent health risks, even if relatively small amounts are consumed in each exposure. In El Palmar National Park, Argentina, invasive alien mammals, wild boar (Sus scrofa) and axis deer (Axis axis), are culled with Pb ammunition and their meat is consumed. In this study, we evaluated blood Pb concentrations in 58 consumers of culled game and examined Pb exposure risk according to their demographics, duty, and consumption habits. Likewise, the likelihood of exposure was evaluated by quantifying Pb concentrations in meat samples of seven culled axis deer. Twenty-seven participants (46%) had detectable blood Pb levels (limit of detection = 3.3 μg/dL), with an average 4.75 ± 1.35 μg/dL (geometric mean ± geometric S.D.); the average for all participants was 3.25 ± 1.51 μg/dL. Blood Pb concentrations were significantly higher in hunters, in participants who reported consuming game meat more than 5 times per week, and in participants who reported frequently consuming cured game meat (compared to cooked or pickled). Pb concentration varied significantly along the trajectory of the bullet in deer muscle, being highest at mid-point but with detectable Pb levels even in distant tissue samples (control), suggesting potential for dietary intake by consumers. These findings provide evidence of Pb exposure risk in consumers and emphasize the relevance of replacing Pb ammunition with non-toxic alternatives. This change would reduce dietary exposure in frequent consumers and allow the use of game meat as safe food for people whilst eliminating collateral risks to wild animals and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostina Tammone
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria Tandil (CONICET-CIVETAN), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Andrea Elsa Caselli
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Walter Ezequiel Condorí
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria Tandil (CONICET-CIVETAN), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valentina Fernandez
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia Marcela Estein
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria Tandil (CONICET-CIVETAN), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ralph Eric Thijl Vanstreels
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Instituto de Pesquisa e Reabilitação de Animais Marinhos (IPRAM), Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Cristian Sosa
- Parque Nacional El Palmar, Administración Nacional de Parques Nacionales Argentina, Ubajay, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Aldo Delaloye
- Parque Nacional El Palmar, Administración Nacional de Parques Nacionales Argentina, Ubajay, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Marcela María Uhart
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Sevillano-Morales JS, Sevillano-Caño J, Cámara-Martos F, Moreno-Ortega A, Amaro-López MA, Arenas-Casas A, Moreno-Rojas R. Risk Assessment of Cd, Cu, and Pb from the consumption of hunted meat: red-legged partridge and wild rabbit. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:1843-1854. [PMID: 32734532 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02290-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to assess that potential health risk from Cd, Cu, and Pb, through the consumption of hunted red-legged partridge and wild rabbit meat, with special focus on the population of hunters and their relatives. Mineral content was analyzed by atomic absorption methods (F-AAS for Cu and GF-AAS for Cd and Pb) after microwave digestion of lyophilized samples. The average concentrations of these elements were 0.008 and 0.01 mg/kg for Cd; 1.41 and 1.63 mg/kg for Cu and 0.98 and 1.28 mg/kg for Pb in wild rabbit and red-legged partridge meat respectively. The dietary, risk assessment was performed by assuming two intake scenarios based on the obtained results of the survey on game meat consumption and the current maximum recommended intakes of Cd, Cu, and Pb, and then, the hazard quotients (THQ and TTHQ) were calculated. The data show that exposure to these metals from eating red-legged partridge and wild rabbit meat from a hunting provenance is relatively low and generally greater in the hunter population. The risk assessment revealed that moderate or low consumption of meat of these species does not offer a significant public health risk. Moreover, hazard quotients values for these metals of red-legged partridge and rabbit meat consumption in hunters and nonhunters are below 1. However, a high Pb content in the meat of these species and a high consumption may pose a greater health risk to hunters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Salvador Sevillano-Morales
- Departamento de Bromatología y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Edificio Charles Darwin C-1, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jesús Sevillano-Caño
- Departamento de Bromatología y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Edificio Charles Darwin C-1, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Fernando Cámara-Martos
- Departamento de Bromatología y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Edificio Charles Darwin C-1, 14014, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Alicia Moreno-Ortega
- Departamento de Bromatología y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Edificio Charles Darwin C-1, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Angel Amaro-López
- Departamento de Bromatología y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Edificio Charles Darwin C-1, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Arenas-Casas
- Departamento de Bromatología y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Edificio Charles Darwin C-1, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rafael Moreno-Rojas
- Departamento de Bromatología y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, Edificio Charles Darwin C-1, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
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Lenti A, Menozzi A, Fedrizzi G, Menotta S, Iemmi T, Galletti G, Serventi P, Bertini S. Lead Levels in Wild Boar Meat Sauce (Ragù) Sold on the Italian Market. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18083989. [PMID: 33920128 PMCID: PMC8069738 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18083989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Game meat is endowed with excellent nutritional value, but it may also be a possible source of harmful substances, such as mycotoxins and heavy metals. In particular, several studies showed that lead fragments from hunting ammunition are able to represent a residual contaminant in the meat of wild boars or deer, representing a possible source of lead absorption. Even though wild boar meat consumption in Italy is rather limited, this meat could also be present in very popular Italian recipes, such as the typical meat sauce called ragù. We evaluated the lead levels in 48 samples (three different batches for each of the 16 brands) of ready-to-eat wild boar meat ragù sold on the Italian market in food stores and online distribution with the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique. A high variability was found in the lead levels detected in the samples, with a median lead level of 0.10 mg/kg (0.01–18.3 mg/kg) and some of the samples showing very high lead concentrations. Since no intake level of lead is considered completely safe, and maximum levels for game meat have so far not been established, a greater attention on the risks to consumers’ health related to the presence of this heavy metal in game meat is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Lenti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada Del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.L.); (T.I.); (P.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Alessandro Menozzi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada Del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.L.); (T.I.); (P.S.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giorgio Fedrizzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Reparto Chimico degli Alimenti–Via Pietro Fiorini 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (G.F.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Simonetta Menotta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Reparto Chimico degli Alimenti–Via Pietro Fiorini 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (G.F.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Tiziano Iemmi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada Del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.L.); (T.I.); (P.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Giorgio Galletti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Reparto Chimico degli Alimenti–Via Pietro Fiorini 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (G.F.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Paolo Serventi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada Del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.L.); (T.I.); (P.S.); (S.B.)
| | - Simone Bertini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada Del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.L.); (T.I.); (P.S.); (S.B.)
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Marination increases the bioavailability of lead in game meat shot with lead ammunition. J Nutr Sci 2021; 10:e24. [PMID: 33996037 PMCID: PMC8080222 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2021.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As a consequence of the toxicological lead characteristics, a reduction of its exposure should consider all sources. Game meat might contain elevated levels of lead due to the use of lead ammunition. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of acidic marination on the bioavailability of ammunition-derived lead in game meat (Roe deer), using the growing pig as an animal model. Furthermore, the study should provide evidence that the large-area scattering of lead particles leads to noticeable differences in the individual lead intake per game meat portion. Pigs of group A (n 7) received lead-shot game meat, which was cooked in water. Pigs of group B (n 7) received lead-shot game meat, which was first marinated (wine and vinegar) and then cooked. The lead content of both game meat preparations was equal with 0⋅77–0⋅79 mg Pb/portion. Pigs of group C (n 4) received lead-free game meat, which was also marinated and cooked. Additionally, lead acetate was administered intravenously to group D pigs (n 4). Blood samples were taken on elevated time points before and after game meat intake/i.v.-application. The acidic marination increased the bioavailability of orally ingested lead, resulting in significantly higher blood lead concentrations. The bioavailability of lead was 2⋅7 % when game meat was just cooked and 15 % when the meat was marinated before. The considerable variation of the individual blood lead concentrations suggests that an inhomogeneous distribution of ammunition-derived lead particles (in terms of size and number) causes individually non-comparable lead intakes from the consumption of game meat.
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Schulz JH, Wilhelm Stanis SA, Hall DM, Webb EB. Until It's a regulation It's not my fight: Complexities of a voluntary nonlead hunting ammunition program. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 277:111438. [PMID: 33027735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife and human health are at risk of lead exposure from spent hunting ammunition. Lead exposure persists for bald eagles due to bullet fragments in game animal gut piles and unretrieved carcasses, and is also a human health risk when wild game is procured using lead ammunition. Programs encouraging the voluntary use of nonlead ammunition have become a popular approach mitigating these effects. This study explored attitudes and experiences of United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff implementing an outreach program encouraging deer hunters to voluntary use nonlead ammunition on 54 National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) in the Upper Midwest, U.S. to understand factors affecting program implementation. We conducted 29 semi-structured interviews of USFWS staff along with 60 responses from an open-ended survey question. Twelve themes emerged from the data and were grouped into three broad categories: (1) challenges of dealing with complex issues, (2) importance of messengers and messages, and (3) resistance from staff. Challenges of dealing with complex issues included administrative restraint and uncertainty, scope and scale of program, human health not an agency responsibility, contextual political influences, and public-private collaborations. Importance of messengers and messages included the importance of experience, and salience of human health risk. Finally, resistance from staff included skepticism of the science and motives behind the program, competing priorities for refuge staff, differing perceptions of regulatory and voluntary approaches, cost and availability of nonlead ammunition, and disregard by some about lead ammunition and human health risks. Staff identified numerous challenges implementing the program, many of which were external factors beyond the control of the participants. Understanding the factors affecting program implementation may help guide future efforts encouraging the voluntary use of nonlead ammunition.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Schulz
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 105 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Sonja A Wilhelm Stanis
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 105 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Damon M Hall
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 105 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Biomedical, Biological and Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, 215 Agriculture Engineering Building, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Elisabeth B Webb
- U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 302 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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20
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Thomas VG, Pain DJ, Kanstrup N, Green RE. Setting maximum levels for lead in game meat in EC regulations: An adjunct to replacement of lead ammunition. AMBIO 2020; 49:2026-2037. [PMID: 32451970 PMCID: PMC7568734 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01336-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Each year, hunters from 12 of the 27 European Union (EU) countries and the UK shoot over 6 million large game mammals, 12 million rabbits and hares and over 80 million birds. They support an international game meat market worth over 1.1 thousand million Euros. Animals shot with lead ammunition frequently contain lead fragments in the carcass which contaminate meals made from game meat with concentrations of lead substantially above the maximum allowable level (ML) set by European Commission Regulation EC1881/2006 for meat from domesticated animals. This poses a health risk to frequent consumers of wild-shot game meat, with children and pregnant women being particularly vulnerable. Total replacement of lead rifle and shotgun ammunition with available non-toxic alternatives is needed for all hunting in EU nations to prevent exposure of humans and wildlife to ammunition-derived lead and to allow the depletion of the long-term environmental legacy of lead from spent ammunition. We propose that EC1881/2006 is amended to incorporate an ML for game meats as a supplementary measure to the replacement of lead ammunition. This would harmonise food safety standards for lead in meats traded across and imported into the EU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vernon G. Thomas
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Deborah J. Pain
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
| | - Niels Kanstrup
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 14, Rønde, 8410 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rhys E. Green
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
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21
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Wilson WA, Harper RG, Alexander G, Perara M, Fraker M. Lead Contamination in Ground Venison from Shotgun-Harvested White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Illinois. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 105:366-371. [PMID: 32840648 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-020-02967-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ground venison packets from shotgun- and archery-harvested White-tailed Deer in Illinois in 2013 and 2014 were analyzed for metal contamination. Radiographs indicated that 48% of 27 ground venison packets from 10 shotgun-harvested deer contained metal fragments, while none of the 15 packets from three archery-harvested deer contained fragments. ICP-MS analysis verified that all metal fragments from seven of the venison samples from shotgun-harvested deer were composed of lead, with average concentrations from 1.04 to 8.42 μg g-1, dry weight. A single serving of ground venison containing one of these metal fragments embedded in it would be predicted to have a lead concentration ranging from 6.4 to 51.8 μg g-1. Sixty percent of 20 commercial meat processing plants surveyed by phone in 2018 and 2019 indicated that they mixed venison from multiple deer when preparing ground venison products. However, our results do not show any cross-contamination in archery-harvested ground venison processed prior to the firearm hunting seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Aaron Wilson
- Environmental Studies Program, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL, 61701, USA
| | - R Given Harper
- Environmental Studies Program, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL, 61701, USA.
- Department of Biology, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL, 61701, USA.
| | - Genevieve Alexander
- Environmental Studies Program, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL, 61701, USA
| | - Manori Perara
- Department of Chemistry, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL, 61701, USA
| | - Matt Fraker
- Prairie Oak Veterinary Center, 207 Landmark Drive, Normal, IL, 61761, USA
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22
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Carpenè E, Andreani G, Ferlizza E, Menotta S, Fedrizzi G, Isani G. Trace Elements in Home-Processed Food Obtained from Unconventional Animals. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E75. [PMID: 32456182 PMCID: PMC7281459 DOI: 10.3390/life10050075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild animals have been used as food since ancient times and, currently, the consumption of unconventional animals is increasing worldwide. The process of cooking meat using traditional recipes includes a variety of ingredients, which can influence the total metal intake from the diet. In this study, the concentrations of eight essential (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, Ni, Mo, and Co) and six non-essential (Pb, Cd, Hg, Al, As, and Cr) trace elements were determined in home-processed food obtained from snails and from three common species of game animals (woodcock, pheasant, and hare), seasoned with anchovies, mushrooms, and different vegetables using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In general, Fe was the most abundant trace element, ranging from 18 ± 8 µg/g in pheasant to 99 ± 76 µg/g in snail, and Co was the least abundant, ranging from 0.007 ± 0.003 µg/g in hare to 0.093 ± 0.048 µg/g in snail. Regarding the non-essential trace elements, Pb concentrations showed wide variations, reaching a concentration of 17.30 µg/g in hare, while Cd concentrations were higher in snail, ranging from 0.18 to 0.46 µg/g. These alternative food sources can offer an important contribution to the human nutritional requirements of essential trace elements, in particular of Fe. The high concentrations of Pb and Cd present in some samples should be considered as potentially dangerous for the consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Carpenè
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, via Tolara di sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (E.C.); (G.I.)
| | - Giulia Andreani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, via Tolara di sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (E.C.); (G.I.)
| | - Enea Ferlizza
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, via Belmeloro 8, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Simonetta Menotta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Chemical Department, via P. Fiorini 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Giorgio Fedrizzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Chemical Department, via P. Fiorini 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (S.M.); (G.F.)
| | - Gloria Isani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, via Tolara di sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (E.C.); (G.I.)
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Harshey A, Das T, Srivastava A. Analytical contributions of lanthanide based metal-organic frame works as luminescent markers: Recent trends in gunshot residue analysis. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.104597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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24
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Balji Y, Knicky M, Zamaratskaia G. Perspectives and safety of horsemeat consumption. Int J Food Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.14390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuriy Balji
- Department of Veterinary Sanitation S. Seifullin Kazakh AgroTechnical University Zhenis avenue 62 Nur‐Sultan 010011 Kazakhstan
| | - Martin Knicky
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Box 7024 Uppsala 750 07 Sweden
| | - Galia Zamaratskaia
- Department of Molecular Sciences Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Box 7015 Uppsala 750 07 Sweden
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters South Bohemian Research Centre of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice Zatisi 728/II Vodnany 389 25 Czech Republic
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Kanstrup N, Chriél M, Dietz R, Søndergaard J, Balsby TJS, Sonne C. Lead and Other Trace Elements in Danish Birds of Prey. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 77:359-367. [PMID: 31214747 PMCID: PMC6731194 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-019-00646-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Lead is a widely used and toxic heavy metal that poses a serious hazard to wildlife species and their ecosystems. Lead is used for production of hunting ammunition. Via gunshot or rifle projectiles, it spreads in ecosystems and may end up in predators and scavengers feeding on wounded or dead animals shot with lead-based ammunition. To assess to what degree Danish raptors are subject to lead contamination, we measured the content of lead in liver tissue from Danish birds of prey (n = 137). Additionally, the study included values for 54 other trace elements. In our analysis, emphasis was put on interpretation of lead levels. Levels of cadmium, mercury and selenium were also discussed, while data for the remaining elements were provided for reference purposes. Bismuth was included to assess if lead originated from bismuth gunshot used as an alternative to lead shot. Concentrations of lead, cadmium, mercury and selenium were generally below the levels in similar studies of birds of prey in other northern European countries and none exceeded known and generally accepted threshold values for adverse health effects. As for lead, this is possibly related to the phase out of lead shot for hunting since 1986. The study confirms results from other studies showing that bismuth shot contains traces of lead that is deposited with bismuth in the target animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Kanstrup
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 12, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
| | - Mariann Chriél
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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Trinogga AL, Courtiol A, Krone O. Fragmentation of lead-free and lead-based hunting rifle bullets under real life hunting conditions in Germany. AMBIO 2019; 48:1056-1064. [PMID: 30905054 PMCID: PMC6675795 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01168-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
As lead is a heavy metal showing high toxicity for many organisms, its entry in the ecosystem should be minimised. Nevertheless, considerable quantities are deposited in the environment via hunting ammunition. Such practice is responsible for the occurrence of lead poisoning in many wildlife species and represents a health risk to humans. We assess the differences in the fragmentation patterns of lead-based and lead-free hunting rifle bullets using the radiographic characteristics of gunshot wounds. We took radiographs of 297 wild ungulates shot during regular hunting events in Germany. Compared to lead-free ammunition, both the number of bullet fragments and the maximal distance between fragments and the wound channel increased when bullets were lead-based. Under normal German hunting conditions, the use of lead-based bullets causes a broad contamination of the carcass and the viscera with bullet material. The wide-spread substitution of lead-based bullets through non-lead alternatives should therefore be further encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lena Trinogga
- Food and Veterinary Office of the Administrative District of Havelland (Landkreis Havelland, Amt für Landwirtschaft, Veterinär- und Lebensmittelüberwachung), Goethestraße 59/60, 14641, Nauen, Germany.
| | - Alexandre Courtiol
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, P.O. 700430, 10324, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Krone
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, P.O. 700430, 10324, Berlin, Germany
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Stokke S, Arnemo JM, Brainerd S. Unleaded hunting: Are copper bullets and lead-based bullets equally effective for killing big game? AMBIO 2019; 48:1044-1055. [PMID: 30919260 PMCID: PMC6675831 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01171-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Semi-jacketed lead-cored or copper-based homogenous rifle bullets are commonly used for hunting big game. Ever since their introduction in the 1990's, copper-based bullets have not been widely accepted by hunters due to limited supply, higher expense, and the perception that they exhibit inferior killing efficiency and correspondingly higher wounding rates. Here, we present data showing that animal flight distances for roe deer, red deer, brown bear, and moose dispatched with lead- or copper-based hunting bullets did not significantly differ from an animal welfare standardized animal flight distance based on body mass. Lead-cored bullets typical fragment on impact, whereas copper-based bullets retain more mass and expand more than their leaden counterparts. Our data demonstrate that the relative killing efficiency of lead and copper bullets is similar in terms of animal flight distance after fatal shots. Hunters that traditionally use lead bullets should consider switching to copper bullets to enhance human and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigbjørn Stokke
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, P.O. Box 5685, Torgard, 7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jon M. Arnemo
- Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Evenstad, 2480 Koppang, Norway
| | - Scott Brainerd
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701 USA
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28
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Green RE, Pain DJ. Risks to human health from ammunition-derived lead in Europe. AMBIO 2019; 48:954-968. [PMID: 31098877 PMCID: PMC6675757 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01194-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
It has been known for centuries that lead is toxic to humans. Chronic exposure to lead, even at low levels, is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease in adults and of impaired neurodevelopment and subsequent cognitive and behavioural development in the foetus and young children. Health agencies throughout the world have moved from assuming that there are tolerable levels of exposure to lead to a recognition that valid 'no-effect' thresholds cannot currently be defined. Formerly, the most important exposure pathways were occupational exposure, water from lead plumbing, paints, petrol additives and foods. Regulation of products and improved health and safety procedures at work have left dietary lead as the main remaining pathway of exposure in European countries. Ammunition-derived lead is now a significant cause of dietary lead exposure in groups of people who eat wild game meat frequently. These are mostly hunters, shoot employees and their families, but also some people who choose to eat game for ethical, health or other reasons, and their children. Extrapolation from surveys conducted in the UK and a review of studies of game consumption in other countries suggest that approximately 5 million people in the EU may be high-level consumers of lead-shot game meat and that tens of thousands of children in the EU may be consuming game contaminated with ammunition-derived lead frequently enough to cause significant effects on their cognitive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys E. Green
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
| | - Deborah J. Pain
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
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Thomas VG, Kanstrup N, Fox AD. The transition to non-lead sporting ammunition and fishing weights: Review of progress and barriers to implementation. AMBIO 2019; 48:925-934. [PMID: 30607717 PMCID: PMC6675838 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-018-1132-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This review presents evidence of lead exposure and toxicity to wildlife and humans from spent shotgun and rifle ammunition and fishing weights, and the barriers and bridges to completing the transition to non-lead products. Despite the international availability of effective non-lead substitutes, and that more jurisdictions are adopting suitable policies and regulations, a broader transition to non-lead alternatives is prevented because resolution remains divided among disparate human user constituencies. Progress has occurred only where evidence is most compelling or where a responsible public authority with statutory powers has managed to change mindsets in the wider public interest. Arguments opposing lead bans are shown to lack validity. Differing national regulations impede progress, requiring analysis to achieve better regulation. Evidence that lead bans have reduced wildlife exposure should be used more to promote sustainable hunting and fishing. Evidence of the lead contribution from hunted game to human exposure should shape policy and regulation to end lead ammunition use. The Special Issue presents evidence that a transition to non-lead products is both warranted and feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vernon G. Thomas
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Niels Kanstrup
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Kalø, Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
| | - Anthony D. Fox
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Kalø, Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
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Pain DJ, Dickie I, Green RE, Kanstrup N, Cromie R. Wildlife, human and environmental costs of using lead ammunition: An economic review and analysis. AMBIO 2019; 48:969-988. [PMID: 30879269 PMCID: PMC6675822 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01157-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A proposed European Union (EU)-wide restriction on the use of lead gunshot for shooting in and over wetlands estimated that the societal benefits of a restriction outweighed costs, despite few identified benefits being quantified economically. A subsequent Annex XV Investigation Report on the evidence of impacts of lead ammunition in terrestrial environments concluded that additional measures to control its use are warranted, although to date this has not been further evaluated. To help inform this process, we review the literature and undertake new analyses to estimate the costs of continued use of lead ammunition associated with impacts on wildlife, people and the environment. We estimate minimum annual direct costs across the EU and Europe of c. €383 million-€960 million and €444 million-€1.3 thousand million respectively. The value that society places on being able to avoid these losses, estimated using a 'willingness to pay' approach, was c. €2.2 thousand million for wildfowl alone. Our estimated costs of the continued use of lead ammunition across the EU appear to be considerably greater than the likely costs of switching to non-toxic alternative ammunition types, although these have not been formally estimated in full.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J. Pain
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT UK
| | - Ian Dickie
- eftec - economics for the environment, 4 City Road, London, EC1Y 2AA UK
| | - Rhys E. Green
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
| | - Niels Kanstrup
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
| | - Ruth Cromie
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT UK
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Menozzi A, Menotta S, Fedrizzi G, Lenti A, Cantoni AM, Di Lecce R, Gnudi G, Pérez-López M, Bertini S. Lead and copper in hunted wild boars and radiographic evaluation of bullet fragmentation between ammunitions. FOOD ADDITIVES & CONTAMINANTS PART B-SURVEILLANCE 2019; 12:182-190. [PMID: 30919748 DOI: 10.1080/19393210.2019.1588389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the content of lead in carcasses of wild boars shot with lead bullets, in comparison with that of copper caused by lead-free ammunitions. Radiographic images of hunted boars were obtained in order to assess the degree of bullet fragmentation in the carcasses. Samples of meat were collected from different body areas at increasing distance from bullet trajectory, to be analysed by ICP-MS for lead and copper levels. In wild boars shot with lead ammunitions, a massive dispersion of bullet fragments and very high lead levels were detected. By contrast, in wild boars killed with copper ammunitions no radiographic signs of bullet fragmentation were observed. Copper ammunitions seem therefore a safer alternative to standard lead-core ones, due to their minimal fragmentation and the relatively low toxicity of this metal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simonetta Menotta
- Chemical Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Lombardia e Emilia Romagna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Giorgio Fedrizzi
- Chemical Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Lombardia e Emilia Romagna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Antonio Lenti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma , Parma , Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Di Lecce
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma , Parma , Italy
| | - Giacomo Gnudi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma , Parma , Italy
| | - Marcos Pérez-López
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UEX), Avenida de la Universidad , Caceres , Spain
| | - Simone Bertini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma , Parma , Italy
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Martin A, Müller-Graf C, Selhorst T, Gerofke A, Ulbig E, Gremse C, Greiner M, Lahrssen-Wiederholt M, Hensel A. Comparison of lead levels in edible parts of red deer hunted with lead or non-lead ammunition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 653:315-326. [PMID: 30412876 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Game meat may contain elevated concentrations of lead especially if lead-containing ammunition is used for hunting. Then a health risk is possible for consumer groups with high game meat intake. The lead concentrations in three edible parts (marketable meat from the area close to the wound channel, saddle and haunch) of meat from red deer (Cervus elaphus) between animals hunted either with lead or non‑lead ammunition were compared. Furthermore, lead levels in game meat of lead-shot red deer were compared with those of lead-shot roe deer and lead-shot wild boar. Ninety red deer were shot and killed in the context of this study (64 with lead and 26 with non‑lead ammunition). Since the lead concentration for a number of the samples was below the limit of detection or the limit of quantification, statistical methods for left-censored data were applied. The median concentrations of lead in game meat did not differ significantly between lead shot and non‑lead shot animals. However, when we analyzed the more elevated lead concentrations, they were significantly higher in edible parts of animals shot with lead ammunition than non-lead ammunition. The highest concentrations were found in samples from edible meat from the area close to the wound channel (max 3442 mg Pb/kg), followed by the saddle (max 1.14 mg Pb/kg) and with the lowest levels in the haunch (max 0.09 mg Pb/kg). A comparison of game species revealed that the lead concentration in haunch and saddle of lead shot red deer was higher than in the corresponding samples of lead shot roe deer. Our results have shown that by the use of non-lead ammunition, a significant reduction of the lead concentration especially in edible parts near the wound channel is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annett Martin
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Unit of Epidemiology, Statistics and Mathematical Modelling, Department Exposition, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Department Exposure, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christine Müller-Graf
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Department Exposure, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Selhorst
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Department Exposure, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Gerofke
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Department Safety in the Food Chain, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ellen Ulbig
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Department Safety in the Food Chain, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carl Gremse
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Department Safety in the Food Chain, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Greiner
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Department Exposure, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Lahrssen-Wiederholt
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Department Safety in the Food Chain, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Hensel
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
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Thomas VG. Rationale for the regulated transition to non-lead products in Canada: A policy discussion paper. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 649:839-845. [PMID: 30179814 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Lead gunshot, rifle bullets, and fishing weights are still allowed in Canadian provincially-regulated hunting and fishing, despite the contribution to lead exposure in humans, wildlife, and the environment. Non-lead gunshot and fishing weights are required in Canada only for waterfowl hunting, and angling in national parks and national wildlife areas. Lead wheel weights are also allowed and comprise a majority of the Canadian market. Effective non-lead substitutes for these products exist, and are already required in various American and European jurisdictions. Several analyses commissioned by the Canadian government in 2018 identified the problems of lead exposure attributable to these four lead products. Lead is already listed under Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) that authorizes the government to undertake measures to reduce exposure. CEPA could require, simultaneously, use of non-lead ammunition, fishing weights and wheel weights at the national level, following an appropriate phase-in period. The low provincial and territorial licence fees for hunting and fishing in Canada would offset any costs associated with use of lead substitutes. Costs for non-lead wheel weights would comprise a small percentage of the costs of new vehicles and new tire purchases. This regulatory initiative would complement other Canadian national bans on lead products. Because there is no safe threshold level for blood lead, use of non-lead products would benefit the health of humans, scavengers, upland game species, and fish-eating birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vernon G Thomas
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
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