CNCN: at the conference on lead ammunition and related problems held in Bologna, excluding risks to human health.
International studies confirm that the presence in our food cycle of game hunted with lead ammunition does not in any way change the levels of risk for human health. ISPRA (Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research) for its part and with other data confirms the thesis of the risk for animals and humans, but asks for other studies on the matter. These are two of the most important ideas that emerged from the conference on Wednesday 3 July held at the headquarters of the Emilia-Romagna Region, which sponsored the event, entitled "Lead in ammunition: new scientific evidence for sustainable solutions". The organization was organized by the CNCN (National Hunting and Nature Committee) in collaboration with Federcaccia and Arcicaccia, with the aim of reaching a rational meeting point and supported by evidence that certifies its solidity. The objective has not been completely achieved, however, a great step forward has been made on the path of dialogue given that ISPRA, which currently recommends the complete replacement of lead ammunition, with the data discussed in Bologna will have the opportunity to deepen other aspects of the question. The hunting world can only express satisfaction with the results of the studies, which appear comforting compared to an alarmism that is sometimes pretext. In fact, the Hunting Associations are certainly not in favor of an acceleration in the prohibition of the use of lead in hunting ammunition if this is not based on the certainty of the data, but on an excess of precaution. However, while awaiting definitive conclusions from the scientific world, they do not shy away from addressing the issue, committing themselves to the dissemination of balanced information and above all to the promotion of a correct approach to the treatment of game heads that significantly reduces any risks both for human health and necrophagous animals. On the other hand, the study by the Swedes Ulf Qvarfort (Swedish Defense Research Agency) and Christer Holmgren (Swedish Environmental Agency), entitled "Lead in game - Study on the bioaccessibility of metal lead fragments" has shown that there are no risks for the man from introducing game into the food chain.
This was certainly the conclusion of the report, presented by Dr. Mario Ge Secretary General of AFEMS (European Association of Sports Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers), the most original of the Bologna event, from which a debate with multiple implications was born. The meeting was opened by the greetings of the lawyer. Giovanni Ghini, president of the CNCN, and the greetings of the Regional Councilor Tiziano Alessandrini in substitution of the councilor Tiberio Rabboni absent for institutional commitments. Dr. Maria Luisa Bargossi, Head of the Rural Territory Service and wildlife-hunting activities of the Emilia Romagna Region, moderated the conference, then introduced the reports of professors Angelo Moretto (University of Milan) and Piermannuccio Mannucci (Scientific Director , IRCCS Ca 'Granda Foundation, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano) entitled "Lead in game meat and implications for human health".
Dr. Silvano Toso presented the ISPRA initiatives regarding the problem of lead in hunting ammunition, as mentioned above, while "Il Piombo: what is the real dimension of the problem for humans?" is the title of the speech by the doctor-hunter prof. Giorgio Bandiani, Managing Director of URCA formerly Primary Division of Nephrology and Dialysis of the Civil Hospital of La Spezia. Finally, Dr. Heinrich Aukenthaler, Director of the South Tyrolean Hunters Association - Sect. Provincial FIdC Bolzano, spoke about the “Health and hygiene aspects of the treatment of the remains: from the recovery of the garment in respect of the other species to the preparation of meat for human consumption”.
At the end of the work, followed with great interest by the large audience in the hall and by far greater who took advantage of the streaming link from the Emilia Romagna Region website, there was no lack of contributions to the debate by those present. Silvia Pagliarini, a young and well-trained veterinary student in Camerino, opened the round of interventions, representing the Arcicaccia, who summarized the personal comparison carried out on numerous studies by leading American and European Institutes and Bodies, reiterating how the lack of shared conclusions and unambiguous should lead to a further study of the question. On the healthiness of the meats brought to our tables - he then emphasized - the role of the hunter assumes a fundamental role.
The lawyer Giovanni Bana, Vice President of FACE Europe stressed the importance of correct communication on the subject of lead, which does not start from preconceived positions but is carried out on a scientific basis. Also present was Antonio Morabito, national wildlife manager of Legambiente, who expressed his satisfaction with the interesting and stimulating reports proposed, declaring his willingness to tackle the topic of lead together. Among the interventions also that of Dr. Alessandro Andreotti dell'Ispra, who, while reiterating the position of the Institute regarding the risks associated with lead, said he was available for further investigations.
Finally, the national president of the FIdC Gian Luca Dall'Olio, recalling in turn that further verifications through science are necessary on this issue, stressed that before discussing "lead yes, lead no", it is useful and necessary to make people understand and transmit , and in this the role of the AAVV and the assumption of responsibility of the hunters is fundamental, how to correctly treat the remains of the killed wild animals, so as to limit or even eliminate any possible risk for humans or other wild animals, even starting from an often overlooked aspect, especially in some forms of collection, which is the recovery of wounded items.
We have worked hard to bring important food for thought to this conference - commented the president of the CNCN, lawyer. Giovanni B. Ghini -, and we believe we have succeeded. The studies of the two Swedish researchers as well as those of professors Moretto and Mannucci clearly show how the position, also held by ISPRA, of those who identify enormous risks to human health in hunting ammunition lead has little scientific basis. Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid any preconceived position in the future also in communication and in the use of language: for example, talking about “no toxic” ammunition automatically generates the wrong idea that traditional ammunition is toxic. We strongly believe that it is good to keep in mind everything that emerged from the studies seriously carried out on the subject, collaborating constructively to arrive at conclusions shared by the whole scientific world. If we proceed in this way - concluded Ghini - we will most likely have less radical decisions at the central level and, consequently, more serenity on the part of local institutions in the composition of regional hunting calendars ”.
July 6 2013
Hunting Federation