Estonia supports EU effort to reduce lead in environment

TALLINN - The government approved on Thursday Estonia's position to gradually restrict the use of lead in hunting, fishing, and shooting sports.

If lead emissions from hunting and fishing are not limited, approximately 876,000 tons of lead could enter the environment through these activities alone over the next 20 years. Such quantities have an impact on human health, especially children's, through the food chain, and broader consequences for the entire environment. According to the European Chemicals Agency, at least 135 million birds may die as a direct result of ingesting lead.

In Estonia as well, there have been cases where people were injured by lead-containing ammunition or fishing gear. In such incidents, treatment must address not only the injury but also heavy metal poisoning.

The issue requires regulation at the European Union level to protect both nature and human health.

Under the plan, the sale of lead fishing weights and lures would be banned in two years, but existing stocks could be used until they run out, for a minimum of five years. In hunting and shooting sports, the transition periods are longer.

The exemption does not apply to lead use in the fields of security and defense.