Australian study finds that lead in the environment is reducing

Efforts to reduce the presence of harmful metals like lead in the environment are having an effect, according to the results of an EPA Victoria study.

The study, titled “Trace elements in liver and muscle tissues from wild waterfowls in Australia: Risk associated with human consumption in a global context,” published in Environmental Pollution, looked at the presence of metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium and zinc in wild ducks in Victoria and showed that most species had concentrations below the daily tolerable intake levels for humans.

According to EPA Principal Scientist Ecological Risk and Emerging Contaminants, Minna Saaristo, the result underscores the importance of legislative controls that reduce or limit harmful substances entering the environment.

“The removal of lead from petrol and paint, as well as the replacement of lead shot used in Victoria, are the most likely reason behind the improving situation,” said Minna.

“While lead tends to be of high public concern, concentrations were always well below the 5% tolerable daily intake levels for both adults and children, regardless of portion sizes.

“Our study highlights that trace elements are still accumulating in wild game species, even if at low concentrations.

“It is worth noting that lead is frequently a topic of public concern but is substantially lower in the four species in our study compared to other concentrations reported from around the world.

“Our study underlines the need for rigorous, evidence-based policies and legislative solutions for managing trace element contamination in wetland environments.”