Many fishermen use "split shot" type lead fishing sinkers, it is a common practice to crimp the split shot to the line with your teeth (when pliers aren't handy).  If you bite down on a split shot lead sinker you will leave a small amount of lead on your teeth, tongue and lips this is usually swallowed and is not fatal in very small quantities but can have many serious impacts on your health.  NEVER CRIMP LEAD SPLIT SHOT WITH YOUR TEETH.

Sinkers stored in tackle boxes grind together as the tackle box is moved from place to place creating fine lead dust.  Just handling lead sinkers will leave lead dust on your hands and body far increasing the risk of direct lead intake.  Lead builds up in your body over time until dangerous levels are reached, eliminate the risks DO NOT USE LEAD BASED SINKERS.

If fish, water birds, mammals, reptiles or marsupials eat a lead sinker or other item of lead then you eat that animal you are eating lead.  If the animal remains free the likely outcome is death by lead poisoning.  There is increasing evidence overseas that as well as poisoning - through ingestion of whole pellets - lead can be taken up by, and cause damage to, vegetation and invertebrates as the lead pellets break down.

Safe handling practises for lead (what sinkers are made of) includes gloves, respirator and protective clothing.  If you are pregnant, breast feeding or have any specific personal medical conditions the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission  have defined a National Standard that bans you from work in a lead-risk job.

In Australia LEAD based paint has been banned due to Health and Safety concerns (large numbers of fatalities and poisoning occurred due to ingestion of lead based paint).  Lead shot for Duck Shooting has also been banned in South Australia and Victoria as it is considered a serious pollutant of our delicate waterways.  Aquarium Monsters will lead the charge to ban all lead based recreational and commercial fishing equipment in all Australian waters.

WARNING for all aquarium owners:  The use of lead for any purpose in an aquarium may lead to a wide range of problems including birthing abnormalities, overall poor health and death of aquarium fish.  Many aquarium plant anchors sold in Australia contain lead.

Aquarium Monsters manufacture, wholesale and retail a range of LEAD FREE - NON TOXIC recreational fishing sinkers and jigs.  Aquarium Monsters strongly advises all recreational fishermen to purchase and use environmentally friendly fishing tackle and related fishing gear.