Evaluating Lead Exposure from Ammunition Usage in the Hunting Community

Abstract

Most hunters use lead ammunition to hunt terrestrial game, largely due to its perceived accuracy, price point, and established background experience. Unfortunately, lead is a soft metal which can fragment into small pieces when used in ammunition, contributing to lead exposure through dermal contact, inhalation, and ingestion for both people who hunt, as well as their families and those who rely on game donation programs. This exposure to lead has the potential to cause severe and long-lasting health impacts on this community. To understand the exposure to lead via consumption and hunting habits, as well as beliefs and knowledge about lead, we have conducted a survey of white-tailed deer, black bear, dove, and turkey hunters across North Carolina. Additionally, to see the risk of habits presented within the survey and to create potential mitigation tactics, a small study group of hunters underwent a bone-lead scan to quantify lead exposure and participated in a discussion regarding incentives for non-lead ammunition usage.