Communication strategies for reducing lead poisoning in wildlife and human health risks

Wildlife Society Bulletin
By: , and 

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Abstract

Although lead poisoning in North American waterfowl has been reduced, it persists among other wildlife. To address this issue, we review lead poisoning in wildlife and threats to human health, describe the recent socio-political landscape, and develop a framework for reducing lead exposure related to hunting ammunition and fishing tackle. Despite substantial information about lead poisoning in wildlife, an explicit and strategic plan for using existing information to develop an effective communication program is lacking. Local and regional efforts encouraging hunters and anglers to voluntarily use nonlead alternatives could benefit from a nationally coordinated and strategic focus. We propose that the diffusion of innovation theory provides a useful framework for developing and implementing voluntary nonlead hunting ammunition and fishing tackle programs. Further, it can help communicators refine messages, increase efficiencies in developing communication materials, and monitor adoption of nonlead alternatives. The initial step in this process, however, is to engage stakeholders about the importance of the issue and leverage that concern as a catalyst for positive change. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Communication strategies for reducing lead poisoning in wildlife and human health risks
Series title Wildlife Society Bulletin
DOI 10.1002/wsb.955
Volume 43
Issue 1
Year Published 2019
Language English
Publisher The Wildlife Society
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Atlanta
Description 10 p.
First page 131
Last page 140
Other Geospatial North America
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