James Rickard"Lead" astray pt.1
November 15th 2007 02:26
The detrimental effects of lead exposure are nothing new. Before jumping to conclusions, the convenience and importance of lead must be realized.
Lead has been used by man since before 5,000 B.C. and was even used for coins in ancient times. Its low melting temperature makes it perfect for some applications while its conductivity makes it a low-cost efficient component for others.
Despite its merits, there are drawbacks to this wonder-metal. Science is working to develop new formulas for products containing lead but, until that time arrives, the best thing to do is limit exposure to lead. Aside from avoiding lead paint and not breathing gasoline fumes there are simple steps we can all take to limit lead exposure.
This is all well and good but, I thought this blog was about fishing. How’s this gonna affect me when I wet a line??? Surprisingly, it’s not fish or humans that are affected by lead as much as waterfowl! This has led to the banning of lead tackle in certain states and parks in the U.S. as well as the entire nation of Great Britain. Similar legislation is being considered in other areas to include, at the very least, national parks and wildlife refuges.
It’s easy to read this and dismiss responsibility saying, Oh, it’s those shotgunners and all the birds they shoot.” In reality, this problem was recognized as far back in the 1800’s. Although plenty of lead bullets are still on the market, much ammunition is “jacketed”--encased in a metal covering. Further, the shot pellets used for bird hunting often incorporate lead alternatives.
Despite efforts in the shooting industry and the fact that sinker manufacturers are trying new metals every day, the sad fact remains that we, as anglers, are responsible for much of the lead that finds its way into nature.
The angler and his tackle comes into play because waterfowl ingest small sinkers along with sand and pebbles to aid in digestion. This grit pulverizes hard-to-digest items such as seeds. Unfortunately, the ingested lead is broken down and enters to the bird’s system causing neurological and physical breakdown.
Simple steps can be taken by anglers to reduce the levels of lead posing a threat to birds. Small, round “split shot” is the type of sinkers most readily ingested by waterfowl. Taking this into consideration, it would behoove anglers to use a large weight whenever possible rather than using several smaller weights to achieve the desired result.
Also, consider the shape of your weight. While round or oval shapes are often used, triangular, straight, or curved weights are also available and may appear less tasty to birds.
The final thing you may want to consider is color. While it is true that birds aren’t going to distinguish one color from another, the opportunistic angler may pick a brightly colored weight from among the rocks, thus, saving a bird.
<<<<<>>>>>
Here are some ways to limit lead exposure:
Washing your hands or showering
after handling lead.
Eat, drink, or smoke only in areas
free of lead dust and fumes.
Wear protective clothing.
Launder suspected clothing separately
from other clothes.
Potential sources of lead exposure:
Occupations—construction, welder, painter
Hobbies—target shooting, pottery glazing, home remodeling
Every day activities—folk remedies, moonshine whiskey, ceramicware
Adverse heath effects of lead:
Neurological—fatigue, seizures, hearing loss
Gastrointestinal—nausea, constipation, colic
Reproductive—miscarriages and/or stillbirths,
reduced or abnormal sperm
Washing your hands or showering
after handling lead.
Eat, drink, or smoke only in areas
free of lead dust and fumes.
Wear protective clothing.
Launder suspected clothing separately
from other clothes.
Potential sources of lead exposure:
Occupations—construction, welder, painter
Hobbies—target shooting, pottery glazing, home remodeling
Every day activities—folk remedies, moonshine whiskey, ceramicware
Adverse heath effects of lead:
Neurological—fatigue, seizures, hearing loss
Gastrointestinal—nausea, constipation, colic
Reproductive—miscarriages and/or stillbirths,
reduced or abnormal sperm
<<<<<>>>>>
This is what we, as anglers, can do. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss measures that are being taken by tackle manufacturers to combat this problem.
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
*image from morguefile.com
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Comment by tlcorbin-raginravensview
Great post. I don't usually worry about the effect of lead sinkers in the water, but bird shot-that I knew about.
Raven
Comment by Techno
Geeky Blog
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
I half way knew about it. I knew if affected them SOME but the effects on birds and waterfowl are far greater than fish!
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
With duck hunting you get too cold and wet! I knew a little about things when I started the post but, learned a lot from research. It affects the birds a LOT more than fish. Maybe I haven't found the right articles but most don't even try to put a ratio on it. It's like DOZENS to one!