To: Bird Conservation Alliance and Allies
From: Steve Holmer, Director
Date: August 3, 2010
Petition Filed Today to Ban Use of Lead Ammunition and Fishing Tackle – Conference Call at 2 pm ET
To join the call dial 212 381 2929, the participant code is 66100520.
ABC formally petitioned the EPA today requesting a ban on the use of toxic lead in hunting ammunition and fishing tackle. We are joined in this effort by Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), Association of Avian Veterinarians, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, and the hunters’ group Project Gutpile in asking for the ban under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which regulates dangerous chemicals in the United States.
The petition references nearly five hundred peer-reviewed scientific studies, pulled together by ABC’s Dr. Michael Fry and CBD that starkly illustrate the widespread dangers from lead ammunition and fishing tackle. As all of you know, lead is an extremely toxic substance that is dangerous to people and wildlife even at low levels. Exposure can cause a range of health effects, from acute poisoning and death to long-term problems such as reduced reproduction, inhibition of growth and damage to neurological development. In the United States, 3,000 tons of lead are shot into the environment by hunting every year, another 80,000 tons are released at shooting ranges, and 4,000 tons are lost in ponds and streams as fishing lures and sinkers.
At least 75 wild bird species are poisoned by spent lead ammunition, including bald eagles, golden eagles, ravens and endangered California condors. Despite being banned in 1992 for hunting waterfowl, spent lead shotgun pellets continue to be frequently ingested by swans, cranes, ducks, geese, loons and other waterfowl. These birds also consume lead-based fishing tackle lost in lakes and rivers, often with deadly consequences.
You will have an opportunity to hear more about the science behind the petition and the commercial availability of alternative, lead-free bullets and fishing gear, and to discuss how BCA members can get involved on a conference call at 2 pm today. To join the call dial 212 381 2929, the participant code is 66100520.
For more information, read about the Center’s Get the Lead Out campaign and the ABC web page on lead threats to birds.
Read the petition to EPA
Photos of lead-poisoned wildlife for media use
Frequently Asked Questions
Timeline of lead hazard reduction for wildlife and people
Summary of recent scientific studies
For Immediate Release, August 3, 2010
Contact: Robert Johns, American Bird Conservancy, (202) 234-7181 x 210
From: Steve Holmer, Director
Date: August 3, 2010
Petition Filed Today to Ban Use of Lead Ammunition and Fishing Tackle – Conference Call at 2 pm ET
To join the call dial 212 381 2929, the participant code is 66100520.
ABC formally petitioned the EPA today requesting a ban on the use of toxic lead in hunting ammunition and fishing tackle. We are joined in this effort by Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), Association of Avian Veterinarians, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, and the hunters’ group Project Gutpile in asking for the ban under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which regulates dangerous chemicals in the United States.
The petition references nearly five hundred peer-reviewed scientific studies, pulled together by ABC’s Dr. Michael Fry and CBD that starkly illustrate the widespread dangers from lead ammunition and fishing tackle. As all of you know, lead is an extremely toxic substance that is dangerous to people and wildlife even at low levels. Exposure can cause a range of health effects, from acute poisoning and death to long-term problems such as reduced reproduction, inhibition of growth and damage to neurological development. In the United States, 3,000 tons of lead are shot into the environment by hunting every year, another 80,000 tons are released at shooting ranges, and 4,000 tons are lost in ponds and streams as fishing lures and sinkers.
At least 75 wild bird species are poisoned by spent lead ammunition, including bald eagles, golden eagles, ravens and endangered California condors. Despite being banned in 1992 for hunting waterfowl, spent lead shotgun pellets continue to be frequently ingested by swans, cranes, ducks, geese, loons and other waterfowl. These birds also consume lead-based fishing tackle lost in lakes and rivers, often with deadly consequences.
You will have an opportunity to hear more about the science behind the petition and the commercial availability of alternative, lead-free bullets and fishing gear, and to discuss how BCA members can get involved on a conference call at 2 pm today. To join the call dial 212 381 2929, the participant code is 66100520.
For more information, read about the Center’s Get the Lead Out campaign and the ABC web page on lead threats to birds.
Read the petition to EPA
Photos of lead-poisoned wildlife for media use
Frequently Asked Questions
Timeline of lead hazard reduction for wildlife and people
Summary of recent scientific studies
For Immediate Release, August 3, 2010
Contact: Robert Johns, American Bird Conservancy, (202) 234-7181 x 210
