- Proper handling of sinkers should eliminate any risk to fishermen. Don't crimp them with your teeth, and buy them rather than cast them yourself so you can avoid lead fumes.
- Explain the right way to rig gear with fishing pliers, but don't expect children to follow directions. Young fishermen may abandon rules and have been known to bite or swallow sinkers on a dare.
- When lead builds up in the body, slowly or suddenly, a multitude of symptoms arise. Children many suffer permanent nerve damage and learning disability, while in adults symptoms range from headache to paralysis and coma.
- Both animals and birds that feed on lake shore carrion are at risk for ingesting lead sinkers from the carcasses of fish. Waterfowl are especially at risk, often picking up lost sinkers from mud as they search for food or gizzard stones.
- Since one lead split shot is enough to kill a loon or an eagle, conscientious sportsmen should consider alternatives to lead tackle. Weights cast from tin, bismuth or steel are more expensive but safe.
