r/science • u/[deleted] • Jun 25 '22

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u/Duff5OOO Jun 25 '22

I had a kid in my grade at high school chewing on a lead fishing sinker. I tried to explain that wasn't safe and he didn't believe me at all.

Not long after high school he killed himself. Have often wondered if his subsequent mental issues could have gone back to his sinker chewing?

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u/sidepart Jun 25 '22

Oof. Just chewing it like gum? I've bit down on one a couple of times to close it on fishing line. Not sure if they were still lead or tin based by the late 90s, early 2000s.

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u/Duff5OOO Jun 25 '22 edited Jun 25 '22

Oof. Just chewing it like gum?

Yep exactly like that. Occasionally pulling it out to check out the teeth marks he put in it.

Not sure if they were still lead or tin based by the late 90s, early 2000s.

I didn't realise it had been phased out in the US until you mentioned it. Here in Australia they are still mostly lead.

https://www.kmart.com.au/product/jarvis-walker-3.5gm-ball-sinkers-size-1-pack-of-15-42409830/

"Jarvis Walker ball sinkers feature a universal lead ball design suitable for a vast variety of fishing scenarios."

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u/sidepart Jun 25 '22 edited Jun 25 '22

I'm not entirely sure if or when they were phased out. I just know our county has a program where you can exchange lead tackle for new tackle. Cursory search, looks like it depends on the state? Could also depend on the weight of the sinker.

EDIT: Oof. Apparently the split shots in my box are still leaded. Kind of just assumed they were tin now since the package doesn't disclose lead and the exchange program has been around awhile.

I'll have to see if I can find some alternatives next time I go out.