Health Hazards: Handling fishing tackle can be a source of lead contamination, especially the solid-lead weights and split-shot sinkers. How many people remember biting split-shot sinkers closed around the fishing line? This is a definite no (if you can't remember, you may have bit one too many). These items are now banned in several states. In addition to being a human health risk, lead fishing weights are contaminating our nation’s waterways. Massive bird deaths have been attributed to this source of poisoning.

How to Avoid or Minimize Exposure: Alternatives to lead products are enamel- or rubber-coated weights and sinkers; some are also made with other metals such as stainless steel or zinc.

ERF Chemical Fact Sheet for Lead