Resumo

FERREYRA, Hebe. Lead ammunition and pollution: an old problem worldwide recognized, neglected in Argentina. Hornero [online]. 2011, vol.26, n.1, pp.65-72. ISSN 0073-3407.

Poisoning of waterbirds due to the ingestion of lead pellets is a problem recognized worldwide, but currently neglected in Argentina. Abundant information is available on the pollution risks associated to this heavy metal, particularly in wetland ecosystems. Lead pollution has been linked to detrimental effects on the health of wild birds, the environment, and public health. To address these issues, many countries have substituted lead by non-toxic materials for sports hunting ammunition, initiatives which were proven effective over time. Even though knowledge on lead pollution has been building up worldwide since the XIX century, these risks had not been considered in Argentina, in spite of vast and highly-diverse wetlands being used for hunting with lead ammunition. Argentina recently joined the long list of countries reporting the existence of this problem, repeating a well-known worldwide paradigm. Now efforts should be focused on reproducing the worldwide measures applied to mitigate its impact.

Palavras-chave : Corrective measures; Health; Hunting; Lead; Wetlands.

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