{"hq_id":"hq-p-out-000081","name":"Fishing Tackle — Lead Sinkers and Environmental Contamination in Aquatic Ecosystems","category":{"primary":"outdoor_environment","secondary":"fishing_equipment","tags":["lead","sinker","fishing tackle","split shot","jig","waterbird","loon","swan","environmental contamination","angling"]},"product_tier":"OUT","overall_risk_level":"moderate","description":"Lead fishing sinkers, split shot, and jig heads constitute the largest unregulated source of lead contamination in freshwater ecosystems, with an estimated 2,000-3,000 metric tons of lead deposited annually in US waterways by recreational anglers. Waterbirds — particularly common loons, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles — ingest lost lead tackle while foraging on lake and river bottoms, causing acute lead poisoning that is the leading identified cause of death in adult common loons across the northeastern United States (accounting for 24-50% of documented loon mortality in New Hampshire, Maine, and Minnesota). A single ingested lead sinker dissolves in the bird's acidic gizzard (pH 2-3) within days, releasing lead into the bloodstream at concentrations causing ataxia, wing droop, emaciation, and death. Human exposure occurs through dermal contact with lead while handling tackle and potential ingestion of lead-contaminated fish, though bioconcentration in fish tissue is generally low. Six US states and several Canadian provinces have enacted bans on small lead sinkers (typically under 1 oz or 50g), and the UK banned lead weights under 1 oz in 1987 after mass mute swan mortality.","synthesis":{"derived_risk_level":"extreme","synthesis_confidence":0.878,"synthesis_method":"compound_composition","context_used":"human_child","context_source":"product_users","exposure_modifier":1,"vulnerability_escalated":false,"escalation_reason":null,"compounds_resolved":1,"compounds_total":1,"synthesis_date":"2026-03-27","synthesis_version":"1.0.0"},"hazard_summary":{"sensitive_populations":"common loons (leading cause of adult mortality), trumpeter swans, bald eagles, mute swans (UK), waterfowl, children handling tackle","overall_risk":"moderate","primary_concerns":["Lead tackle ingestion is the #1 identified cause of adult common loon death in northeastern US","Single ingested sinker is lethal to waterbirds — gizzard acid dissolves lead rapidly","2,000-3,000 metric tons of lead deposited annually in US freshwater ecosystems","Children who handle lead sinkers risk dermal absorption and hand-to-mouth ingestion"],"exposure_routes":"Ingestion (wildlife: foraging waterbirds ingest lost tackle from lake bottoms; humans: hand-to-mouth from handling lead sinkers). Dermal (anglers handling lead tackle). Environmental (cumulative sediment contamination from decades of lost tackle)."},"exposure":{"routes":["ingestion","dermal"],"contact_types":["ingestion_wildlife","dermal_direct"],"users":["wildlife","adult","child"],"duration":"acute_to_chronic","frequency":"seasonal","scenarios":["Waterbird: ingests lost lead sinker from lake bottom; gizzard acid dissolves lead causing acute poisoning","Angler: dermal contact with lead sinkers while rigging tackle; lead transfer to hands","Child: handles lead sinkers from tackle box; hand-to-mouth ingestion risk","Aquatic ecosystem: cumulative lead deposition from decades of recreational fishing contaminates sediment"],"notes":"Common loon mortality: lead poisoning is the #1 identified cause of adult loon death in northeastern US. Tufts University (2017): 48.6% of adult loon deaths in New England attributed to lead tackle ingestion. Single sinker toxicity: one #4 split shot (~1.8g lead) is lethal to a 4-kg loon within 2-3 weeks. US states with lead tackle bans: NH (2016: <1 oz), ME (2002: <0.5 oz), MA (2012: <1 oz), VT (2007: <0.5 oz), NY (2004: <0.5 oz, Adirondacks), WA (2011: <1.5 oz on designated waters). UK: Control of Pollution (Anglers' Lead Weights) Order 1986 — banned lead weights 0.06-28.35g. Canada: federal ban on lead sinkers <50g in national wildlife areas."},"consumer_guidance":{"usage_warning":"Switch from lead to non-toxic fishing tackle to protect waterbirds — a single lost sinker can kill a loon. Many states now require non-lead tackle on certain waters. Wash hands after handling lead tackle and before eating. Keep lead sinkers away from children. Retrieve lost tackle when possible rather than cutting line with sinkers attached.","safer_alternatives":["Tungsten sinkers (density similar to lead, non-toxic, increasingly affordable)","Steel split shot and jig heads","Tin-bismuth alloy sinkers (Good Lead Free brand)","Brass sinkers and swivels","Ceramic and stone fishing weights for light tackle applications"]},"regulatory":{"applicable_regulations":[{"jurisdiction":"USA","regulation":"State Lead Tackle Bans (NH, ME, MA, VT, NY, WA) — No Federal Ban","citation":"NH RSA 211:13-b (2016); ME 12 MRSA §12664 (2002); UK Control of Pollution (Anglers' Lead Weights) Order 1986","requirements":"Six US states ban lead sinkers below 0.5-1.5 oz on some or all waters. No federal lead tackle ban exists — EPA denied a 2010 CBD petition to ban lead tackle under TSCA. UK banned lead weights 0.06-28.35g nationally in 1986 following mute swan die-offs. Canada banned lead sinkers <50g in National Wildlife Areas (SOR/97-480). State bans are enforced through fishing license regulations and game warden inspection.","compliance_status":null,"effective_date":"2002-01-01","enforcing_agency":"State fish and game departments; USFWS (federal lands)","penalties":null,"source_ref":null}],"certifications":[],"labeling":{"required_disclosures":[],"prop65_warning":{"required":null,"chemicals":[],"endpoint":null,"notes":null},"ghs_labeling":{"required":null,"signal_word":null,"pictograms":[],"hazard_statements":[],"notes":null},"hidden_ingredients":{"trade_secret_protected":null,"categories_hidden":[],"estimated_count":null,"known_concerns":null,"notes":null},"notes":null},"recalls":[],"regulatory_gap":null,"notes":null},"lifecycle":{"recyclable":true,"disposal_guidance":"Collect used lead sinkers and recycle through scrap metal dealers. Do not discard in waterways or regular trash. Many tackle shops accept lead trade-ins for non-toxic alternatives.","hazardous_waste":false,"expected_lifespan":"Lead sinkers persist indefinitely in aquatic sediment — lost tackle is a permanent environmental contaminant"},"formulation":{"form":"varies","key_ingredients":[],"certifications":[]},"materials":{"common":[],"concerning":[],"preferred":[]},"compound_composition":[{"hq_id":"hq-c-ino-000001","compound_name":null,"role":"primary_material","typical_concentration":"elemental lead (Pb) in sinkers and jig heads; 2,000-3,000 metric tons deposited annually in US waterways; lethal to waterbirds from single ingested piece"}],"identifiers":{"common_names":["fishing tackle — lead sinkers and environmental contamination in aquatic ecosystems"],"aliases":[],"manufacturer":null,"brands":[]},"brand_examples":[],"sources":[{"type":"expert_curation","name":"ALETHEIA Safety Database","date":"2026-03-26"}],"meta":{"schema_version":"4.0.0","last_updated":"2026-03-26","timestamp":"2026-05-01T14:27:00.782Z"}}