The EPA believes that the sinkers were mistaken for small stones (grit) that the birds need to aid with their digestion. Because grit is slowly ground up with food in the bird's digestive tract, an ingested lead sinker would also be ground up and Poison the bird over time.

Anglers can help reduce potential risk to waterfowl through proper recycling of sinkers. Lead sinkers (like used split shot) should not be discarded at waters edge or other areas where birds seek grit. If ingested, a lead sinker would be toxic to waterfowl!