The first ever World Symposium on Lead in Ammunition,
held in Rome, Italy on 9-10 September 2004, was organized and hosted by
the World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities. More than
140 representatives from twenty countries attended. The primary purpose
was to exchange the latest information regarding the use of lead in
ammunition.
The major conclusion of the conference was while
lead in ammunition can pose risks in certain environments, these risks
can be managed using simple and practical techniques. It was also
recognized that the search for effective alternatives must continue.
The
conference brought together the leading scientists and professionals,
along with government officials and industry and shooting organization
representatives from around the world. Their diverse backgrounds and
perspectives made for lively debate and positive exchange of
information.
Regardless
of questions about lead, worldwide trends show Olympic, competitive
shooting sport and hunter numbers, with hunter and shooter numbers
remaining very substantial in the world at about a hundred million.
Shooting is an important and continuing activity. Not only that, but
shooting ranges have important community, cultural, economic and
historic value.
The
full spectrum of community practices and expectations need to be taken
into account, and so does the entire environment. This means all
levels, beginning with the sediment beneath water, then water itself,
extending upwards to the soil, then soil organisms, to scavengers and
avian predators.
Identified
hazards of lead such as ingestion, inhalation, environmental fate and
transport need to be respected, and it is the responsibility of sport
shooting associations to continue to emphasize the education aspects.
Thirty-two
presentations were made during the symposium. Scientific studies of
lead mobility and corrosion as well as lead-risk and consumer-exposure
assessments were reviewed. Technical reports on requirements of
ammunition performance, alternative materials currently available,
environmental impacts of new materials, hazards to wildlife, methods to
manage risks posed by lead ammunition and new concepts in shooting
range design were all presented.
Status reports were shared on
legal, legislative, policy and regulation efforts, in addition to
examples of shooting sports community and agency education and outreach
initiatives. While lead was of principal concern, other metals and
constituents found in ammunition or used as proposed alternatives to
lead were discussed. The closing session provided an opportunity for
open discussion and proposed a vision for the future.
The World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities believes this
conference will serve as the major reference point for legislators and
shooting organizations to work together in a co-operative manner.
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