Lead Hurts Kids and Condors

Editor:

The recent death of one of the North Coast condors is a reminder of lead’s toxic legacy (“Youngest North Coast Condor Dies of Lead Poisoning,” March 20). Lead was used in paint, gasoline, plumbing and other consumer products for decades. It’s useful for its density, flexibility and durability. Lead does not biodegrade and accumulates in soil, dust, water and living beings. Lead exposure is dangerous for everyone. It can cause learning and behavioral problems in children and reproductive problems, cardiovascular disease, and brain and kidney damage in adults.

Progress has been made to reduce lead in the environment but there is more we can do. We have reduced lead sources like leaded gasoline, paint and pipes. In 1991, the federal government banned the use of lead shot in waterfowl hunting. California was the first state to ban lead ammunition for all hunting purposes in 2019. However, lead bullets and airgun pellets are still easily accessible.

Lead poisoning is preventable. If you spend time at a shooting range, with firearms or handling ammunition, you and your family may be at risk of lead poisoning. Exposure can be from direct contact with lead primers, pellets or lead bullets, and from the lead in gun smoke when the gun is fired. Leaded gun smoke can be inhaled and settles as dust onto clothing and skin and can be taken home to your family. Switching to nonlead ammunition protects your family and wildlife. California Department of Fish and Wildlife has a list of nonlead ammunition, including nontoxic shot.

People with lead poisoning may not seem sick. The best way to know if you or a family member has lead poisoning is with a blood lead test. More information on preventing lead poisoning can be found at the Humboldt County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at the county’s website.

Michelle Postman, Arcata