Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the contamination of game meat with copper and zinc and establish whether the use of alternative (non-lead) ammunition can lead to higher or unsafe levels of copper and zinc in the meat of roe deer, wild boar and red deer. The research project “Safety of game meat obtained through hunting” (LEMISI) was conducted in Germany with the purpose of examining the entry of lead as well as copper and zinc into the meat of hunted game when using either lead or non-lead ammunition.The outcome of this study shows that the usage of both lead-based ammunition and alternative non-lead ammunition results in the entry of copper and zinc into the edible parts of the game. Using non-lead ammunition does not entail dangerously elevated levels of copper and zinc, so replacing lead ammunition with alternative ammunition does not introduce a further health problem with regard to these metals. The levels of copper and zinc in game meat found in this study are in the range found in previous studies of game. The content of copper and zinc in game meat is also comparable to those regularly detected in meat and its products from livestock (pig, cattle, sheep) for which the mean human consumption rate is much higher. From the viewpoint of consumer health protection, the use of non-lead ammunition does not pose an additional hazard through copper and zinc contamination. A health risk due to the presence of copper and zinc in game meat at typical levels of consumer exposure is unlikely for both types of ammunition.
Highlights
Lead or non-lead, that is the question: whether lead ammunition for hunting can or should be replaced by non-lead ammunition–due to health concerns about lead levels in game meat— has been discussed intensely in recent years [1, 2]
The major part of the observed copper content in roe deer, wild boar and red deer which had been hunted using non-lead ammunition was in a low range
For the roe deer samples, the highest copper content was detected in a sample of the saddle (Table 1)
Summary
Lead or non-lead, that is the question: whether lead ammunition for hunting can or should be replaced by non-lead ammunition–due to health concerns about lead levels in game meat— has been discussed intensely in recent years [1, 2]. Cu and Zn content in wild game shot with lead or non-lead ammunition. (DJV, German Hunting Association), Bayerischer Jagdverband e.V. (BJV, Bavarian Hunting Association), Bundesverband Deutscher Berufsjager e.V. (German Association of Professional Hunters), Verband der Hersteller von Jagd-, Sportwaffen und Munition e.V. (JSM, Association of the Manufacturers of Hunting and Sports Weapons and Ammunition), Universitat fur Nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde (HNEE, University for Sustainable Development)). The funders had no active role in study design, analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript
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