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
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.
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Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av Sporting Shooter.
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RSPB gives mixed message on shooting
Having recently attended the RSPB’s virtual AGM, Conor O’Gorman discusses the outcome of the charity’s year-long review of game bird shooting
Causeway for concern
Alan Jarrett’s renewed interest in reading takes him down memory lane to an offshore island duck flight that very nearly ended in disaster
Through a purple patch
The Garrows Estate is taking a conservation-focused approach to restoring the wildlife populations and biodiversity on the Scottish heather moorland.
When the wheels fall off
Losing form on a day’s shooting can be infuriating, especially if you’ve been shooting like a god up to that point. Simon O’Leary looks at some common causes and how to remedy them
Beaches, books & bad behaviour!
The annual Kay family vacation to Northumberland offers a chance to give the cockers a blast on the beach – although they don’t always shower themselves in glory, as Ryan Kay recalls...
Using the Stop whistle
Now you’ve instilled the basics, it’s time to up the ante with some more tricky distance work. Howard Kirby explains how to take the core Stop whistle command to the next level
The humble teal
They may be tiny, but as far as Rupert Butler is concerned, the appeal of this little duck is huge. He recalls some of his most memorable nights in pursuit of these aerial acrobats
Fab all-rounder
Mike is impressed with the Fabarm Elos B2 Field Notte, which offers great value for money, is suited to fieldwork or clays and is future-proofed for use with steel in all choke constrictions
CALL OF THE WILD
Dom Holtam reconnects with one of the purest forms of shotgun shooting as he walks-up woodcock over pointing dogs in the Scottish Highlands
A yen for the Fens
Tony Jackson recounts a memorable duck flight over an area of Fenland in Norfolk with his friend and author, the late Alan Savory
