The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), supported by the Environment Agency, has released its final opinion on restricting lead in ammunition under UK REACH regulations. Announced on 16 December 2024, this decision follows extensive public consultations, scientific reviews, and stakeholder engagements aimed at addressing environmental and human health risks linked to lead ammunition use.
A Long-Awaited Decision
The publication marks a significant step towards reducing the harmful impacts of lead ammunition, which has been linked to poisoning in wildlife and potential health risks to humans, particularly children and pregnant women who consume game meat. This final opinion concludes a process initiated in 2021 at the request of the UK government, with active involvement from the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales.
Public and Expert Consultations
The HSE facilitated two rounds of public consultations, receiving feedback from industry experts, conservation groups, and individual stakeholders. A Challenge Panel, including independent experts from the REACH Independent Scientific Expert Pool (RISEP), rigorously reviewed the proposals. Further, technical insights were sought from Cranfield University’s Centre for Defence Engineering, which provided detailed analyses of ballistics and ammunition alternatives.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The opinion highlights the disproportionate environmental damage caused by lead ammunition, particularly in live quarry shooting, where lead shot often contaminates ecosystems. For human health, it underlines risks from consuming lead-contaminated game meat.
The agency recommends phased restrictions, including:
- Large-Calibre Bullets: A proposed 3-year transition to non-lead alternatives.
- Small-Calibre Bullets: Excluded from immediate restriction due to limited alternatives.
- Shotgun Ammunition: Restrictions in outdoor target shooting, with exceptions for competitive athletes under stringent conditions.
Challenges and Future Implications
While non-lead alternatives are increasingly viable, issues like ballistic consistency and cost remain concerns. The industry will need to adapt to evolving standards, with implications for manufacturers, hunters, and competitive shooters.
In the interim, HSE has urged responsible ammunition use to mitigate immediate risks and continues monitoring environmental and health outcomes post-implementation.
