25/01/2021 (Agence Europe) – The amendment to the European Union’s REACH regulation on chemicals to prohibit the use of lead shot in wetlands was adopted by the European Commission on Monday 25 January. This measure will enter into force in 2 years’ time. It will help reduce lead pollution while preventing the lead poisoning deaths of around one million waterbirds each year (see EUROPE 12609/8). In doing so, it will harmonise and strengthen the effectiveness of national legislation that already restricts the use of lead in wetlands in 24 Member States. Every year, 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes of lead are released into wetlands. There are affordable alternatives such as steel bullets, which currently cost about the same as lead bullets. (AN)