Members of an EU Committee that deals with chemical hazards (REACH) have until 15 July to vote on a proposal to restrict the use of lead shot in EU wetlands. Every year thousands of tonnes of lead shot contaminate the environment during hunting activities, polluting waterways and soils. In the EU alone, an estimated 4 million waterbirds are poisoned by lead shot every year, 1 million of whom die. Migratory swans are particularly susceptible, often feeding in wetland and terrestrial areas that are shot over with lead. Studies have found lead poisoning to account for a quarter of deaths of Bewick’s and Whoopers Swans. Those that are poisoned but survive may have weakened resistance to disease, mobility issues and poorer breeding success. For example, 10% of live Whoopers recorded with elevated levels of lead in their blood were found to be in measurably poor body condition as a result.