United Kingdom government is now considering a ban on lead ammunition, PFAS, and other harmful Chemical substances to protect Human health, wildlife, and nature as part of new plans under UK REACH.

Lead ammunition is been used in the shooting industry. Research shows that 50,000 to 100,000 wildfowl die in the UK due to ingesting the used pellets by mistake instead of food without knowing its harmful toxicity. In addition, further 200,000 to 400,000 bird’s welfare suffers as they depend on wildfowl for food cycle also suffer.

Under the former administration, the new chemicals were commonly justified and approved without addressing the risks of potential future uses of chemicals by issuing what is known as a significant new use rule.

The Government is also considering a restriction on substances with certain hazards in tattoo inks and permanent make-up. A restriction for these types of substances will be introduced but is not limited to, substances that can cause cancer, are dangerous to reproduction, skin sensitizers, and irritants.

Health & Safety Executive (HSE), with support from the Environment Agency (EA), will investigate the risk of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In industry, these PFAS group substances of over 9,000 different chemicals are used as stain repellents, coatings, and fire-fighting foams, some of which are already banned or highly restricted. Based upon further analysis and research restrictions will be introduced for hazardous substances to protect humans, wildlife, and the environment.

Reference: https://www.gov.uk/