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Amid Heated Debate, New Study Finds Common Ground on Lead Ammunition Risks

Embargoed for release until December 10, 2025

For media Inquiries regarding the study, please contact Natalie Judd or Emma Scott

Washington, D.C. December 10, 2025 – Lead is a well-known neurotoxin banned in products like paint and gasoline, yet most U.S. gun hunters continue to use lead-based ammunition despite scientific evidence of harm to wildlife and people who consume wild game meat. A new study led by Dominic Balog-Way, Ph.D. of Cornell University reveals why a seemingly simple health issue regarding the risks of lead used in hunting ammunition has proven so complex to address. 

The research, to be presented at the Society for Risk Analysis Conference on Dec. 10 highlights contrasting perspectives among stakeholders on the health and environmental impacts of lead-based bullets. The mixed-methods study combines the perceptions of user groups spanning regulators, hunters and wild game meat processors to inform policymaking that addresses joint environmental and public health concerns. 

The study finds: 

  • A range of situated psychological (e.g., the invisibility of lead poisoning), economic (e.g., the higher cost and limited availability of non-lead alternatives), institutional (e.g., fragmented federal-state responsibilities), and socio-cultural (e.g., threats to hunting traditions) factors shape each group’s interpretations. 
  • Scientists and regulators emphasized the toxic dangers lead poses to human and wildlife health, while hunters focused on perceived threats to hunting traditions and their way of life. Meat processors, meanwhile, were primarily concerned about foodborne illness and equipment damage from lead fragments rather than meat contamination itself. 
  • The study supported and directly informed the regulators’ approach to communicating about lead ammunition risks and engaging key groups in New York. 
  • Contributes to broader literature comparing how different groups perceive, interpret, and respond to risk issues beyond that of lead ammunition poisoning. 

By unpacking the different perspectives, Balog-Way was able to compare them more clearly. “This seems like such a simple issue at first sight. Why would anyone knowingly eat lead, or fire lead ammunition that may be consumed by vulnerable wildlife like Bald Eagles, when there are alternatives?” said Balog-Way. “Only by really digging into the issue did we discover that the problem—and hence solutions—are far more complicated.” The research has already had practical impact. Informed by the study’s findings, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation added a section on lead/nonlead ammunition to instructor training courses and co-produced an educational video now being used voluntarily in hunter education programs. 

Despite being unique stakeholder groups with divergent perspectives on lead ammunition risks, all participating groups expressed deep concern for the environment and the sociocultural importance on hunting. Through understanding the differences and commonalities between various stakeholder groups in New York, researchers are able to improve risk communication and engagement with the regulators and lawmakers. 

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EDITORS NOTE: 

This research will be presented on December 9 at 8:30 EST at the Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) Annual Conference at the Downtown Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C. SRA Annual Conference welcomes press attendance. Please contact Emma Scott at emma@bigvoicecomm.com to register. 

About Society for Risk Analysis 

The Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) is a multidisciplinary, global organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of risk analysis. Founded in 1980, SRA brings together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from diverse fields including engineering, public health, environmental science, economics, and decision theory. The Society fosters collaboration and communication on risk assessment, management, and communication to inform decision-making and protect public well-being. SRA supports a wide range of scholarly activities, publications, and conferences. Learn more at sra.org. 

Media Contact: 
Emma Scott 
Media Relations Specialist 
Emma@bigvoicecomm.com 
(740)632-0965