Why SHOULD lead be banned

OK, to I've seen a thousand posts of anglers opposed to a ban on lead. But is that getting the whole story? Maybe there are legitimate reasons to ban lead.
I know a bit about metals, studied materials science in college, did a year long research project on lead-free soldier alternatives (Sn-Bi and Sn-Bi-In).
All metals will give off some molecules is water - essentially dissolving - for the most part it is not detectable because it is so minimal, but it happens. Its kinda like the vapor layer that forms above liquid alcohol or gasoline, although on a much much smaller level.
Most metals will react in water forming metal oxides - rusting.
Most rust (metal oxides) doesn't adhere very well to metal.
For the most part alloys are more resistant to both processes.
Other contaminants in water can greatly effect the speed of these - think salt water and rust. (I've used this effect to cut through an 1/8 inch piece of steel with a rubber band)
Lead is toxic to living organisms when consumed.

I know I lose a jig head to two every time I go out, and occasional a sinker. I use most painted jig heads, but how well does the paint contain the lead and prevent it from raise the PPM of lead in the water? At what PPM does lead effect things living in the water? What volume/surface area of lead does it take to have a significant effect on water?
I don't know the answer to these questions, I don't think I could find and honest answer in a simple search.
For my piece of mind, I don't think I'll buy any more lead tackle. I don't want to do any damage to the waters I fish. The little extra money is worth the enjoyment I get.
But I don't fish as much as most of you. A 2-3 hour trip every 4-6 weeks on average from late Mar - early Nov. All from shore. So the increase isn't that big for me.
I care about the quality of the fisheries, I care that my drinking water can from some of the same sources. If I leave lead in those waters am I doing something bad, no mater how miniscule? For me, I'll go lead-free. For my kids, I'll go lead-free. For the fish, I'll go lead-free.
Maybe I'm over thinking the potential impact, but at least I'll sleep well.

Fire away...
TjD

You're on the right track. Before taking any sweeping actions, govt. agencies should get, as you say, honest answers to the right questions. Then, there can to be intelligent decisions about the extent of problems and effective courses of action. Several state agencies commented on the Petition & basically told EPA to stay out of it--the states are in the best position to make and carry out decisions. Some states are concerned about bird mortality and are already taking action. Others have no evidence of a bird mortality problem, but are monitoring and prepared to act if necessary. Arizona outlined its voluntary program that encouraged hunters to switch to steel shot within the region inhabited by the endangered California condors. This program was totally voluntary and enjoyed an 85% success rate.

Poiticians that try to force something down the populus will soon find themselves jobless. For sure ya dont want all the fishermen in the world mad at you, JMO.

Everything evolves in time.Even fishing.

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Originally Posted by satdoc1

Poiticians that try to force something down the populus will soon find themselves jobless. For sure ya dont want all the fishermen in the world mad at you, JMO.

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Really, this hasn't been the case in your lifetime. Just saying. They do whatever they want and continue to be in office.

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Originally Posted by Durriken

I care about the quality of the fisheries, I care that my drinking water can from some of the same sources. If I leave lead in those waters am I doing something bad, no mater how miniscule? For me, I'll go lead-free. For my kids, I'll go lead-free. For the fish, I'll go lead-free.
Maybe I'm over thinking the potential impact, but at least I'll sleep well.

Fire away...
TjD

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There was a very small mention of water quality in the document. 99% of the petition was about waterfowl ingesting lead shot and lead jig heads. I went lead free on my sinkers some time ago, wasn't that big of a deal for me, didn't break the bank. For crappie fisherman, this wouldn't be as big of an adjustment.

Still havent seen any compelling reasons why lead should be banned.

So far all I've seen for why is speculation.

I do know that the '70's and '80's industrial waterways were dumping grounds for manufacturers, and that turned some of those water toxic, even to humans. Since then the EPA strickly regulated the industries and thsu the waterways ahve made a huge comeback. Lake Erie being an excellent example. Locally for me, the Illinois river still has restrictions on the number of certain fish species you can eat per month.
Illinois does monitor and regulate the waterways in Illinois pretty effectively.

Not sure how baning lead will affect anything. How much lead actually ends up in teh lake, and how many fish eat lead? Right now the only thing made from lead is weights.

We haven't been able to shoot lead shot "legally" for some years now. Notice that there are a lot of people that will not change away from lead for ducks even with a heavy fine. They dang sure are not going to change from lead sinkers which average 2-10 Oz. each when fishing for catfish!

Crappie fishermen do not use enough lead to be any potential problem. If they lose a jig IT IS STUCK TO SOMETHING AND A BIRD IS NOT GOING TO EAT IT, make any sense? Catfishermen are out mainly at night and have no intention of changing, sorry, just my opinion.

I respect and love the environment and would never do anything to harm it knowingly. That being said, I do not beleive this is a issue that will make any real difference if it becomes illegal to use lead weights. I would ask though, who stands to gain money from this type of law? People will have to buy their weights instead of making their own. Follow the $.