Fishing sinkers used to be made out of items that were typically found in the natural world, such as stones, boulders, or bones. This is still true in certain cases today. Are they made of lead?
Yes, lead has predominantly been used to make fishing weights because it is thick, affordable, and malleable. Even though it is banned in many countries, such as China, it is still used by plenty of fishermen.
However, the use of lead isn’t entirely safe for humans. Lead exposure can cause breathing difficulties, among other things. Continue reading to find out more.
Is It Safe To Touch Lead Fishing Weights?
Traditional fishermen use lead weights due to cheap prices and familiarity with them. However, when handling fishing weights, you can inhale lead fumes or swallow fine particles of lead dust. Are they touch-safe?
No, your bodily systems and organs can be severely affected by lead exposure. In young children, it can cause neurodevelopmental and growth-related disorders, and they are at greater risk of lead poisoning. In adults, lead can cause hearing, vision, and muscle function disabilities and infertility.
What Happens If You Swallow A Lead Fishing Weight?
As mentioned before, fishing weights made of lead are extremely toxic and can cause serious damage to your body.
If you accidentally swallow it, the acid in your stomach will dissolve the lead. This will result in the lead getting absorbed into your bloodstream and circulated around your body. In general, 3–15 days after intake, lead causes difficulties with the gastrointestinal and nervous systems.
Furthermore, exposure to lead can damage your red blood cells and your kidneys. Even when the fishing weight is removed, the remnants of lead in the fish’s flesh can be extremely toxic.
Preventive Measures To Avoid Lead Poisoning
You can enjoy fishing by following these simple instructions.
- Thoroughly rinse your hands after handling lead sinkers or cleaning out your tackle box.
- Use non-lead substitutes where possible. Sinkers, especially split shots, are now accessible in less hazardous materials, including tungsten, bismuth, and tin.
- Get regular blood screenings done by your doctor.
- Do not eat or drink when handling lead fishing weights.
- Wear a respirator with surgical filters that can filter out lead particles in the air.
If the aforementioned preventive methods are followed, you can avoid lead poisoning. Shifting to a lead alternative is the best choice as it protects you and the environment.
What Are Non-Toxic Fishing Weights Made Of?
Lead weights are dangerous not only to you but also to marine life. If you want to start fishing and don’t want to die due to lead poisoning, the following types of non-toxic fishing weights are just what you need:
- Tungsten
- Steel
- Tin
- Clay
- Bismuth
- Brass
Conclusion
Lead is still an essential component of the fishing business and will be for the foreseeable future. Switching from lead fishing weights to environmentally friendly alternatives can protect aquatic life and save you from a range of neurodevelopmental and physical disorders. If you come across someone who uses lead fishing weights, you should advise them to switch.
