Small But Significant

Despite the small sample size, a new Italian scientific study looking at blood lead levels in consumers of game meat has the potential to turn ‘the lead debate’ on its head

- Tim Bonner

Packed full of rhetoric, bold accusations and pre-determined science, the debate surrounding the continued use of lead ammunition has been tainted for many years. It is, therefore, pleasing to see a new scientific study that examines the accusations, and looks at the link between the consumption of game shot with lead ammunition and the level of lead in people’s blood.

Not everything in this new study is straightforward for those of us who shoot, but it does set out to answer some well-balanced questions, while acknowledging the limitations within the study and the missing gaps of information that exist.

The aim of the study, titled ‘Blood lead levels following consumption of game meat in Italy’, was to measure and compare the blood lead levels in consumers and non-consumers of game meat, taking into account other possible sources of lead exposure. A blood sample was obtained from 95 people in total, and a questionnaire was used to collect general information and data on game meat consumption, hunting, wine drinking and other possible sources of lead exposure.

The results showed that blood lead level was not influenced by age, sex, residence in an urban or rural area, consumption of game meat, tobacco smoking, or hobbies associated with potential exposure to lead.