I found this and thought it interesting and germaine to the discussion:
Nontoxic Shot Approval
The nontoxic shot approval process contains a tiered review system
and outlines three conditions for approval of shot types. The first
condition for nontoxic shot approval is toxicity testing. Based on the
results of the toxicological report and the toxicity tests discussed
above, we conclude that tin shot does not pose a significant danger to
migratory birds or other wildlife.
The second condition for approval is testing for residual lead
levels. Any shot with lead levels equal to or exceeding 1 percent will
be considered toxic and, therefore, illegal. We have determined that
the maximum environmentally acceptable level of lead in any nontoxic
shot is trace amounts of 1 percent, and incorporated this requirement
in the new approval process. ITRI has documented that tin shot meets
this requirement.
The third condition for approval involves law enforcement. In the
August 18, 1995, Federal Register (60 FR 43314), we indicated our
position that a noninvasive field detection device to distinguish lead
from other shot types was an important component of the nontoxic shot
approval process. At that time, we stated that final approval of
bismuth-tin shot would be contingent upon the development and
availability of a noninvasive field detection device (60 FR 43315). We
incorporated a requirement for a noninvasive field detection device in
the revised nontoxic shot approval process published on December 1,
1997 (62 FR 63608); 50 CFR 20.134(b)(6). A field detection method to
distinguish tin shot from lead currently is being developed by ITRI.
Granting temporary approval for tin shot during the 2000-2001 hunting
season will facilitate completion of development of such a device.
However, we will not consider either additional temporary approvals, or
final approval, of tin shot beyond the 2000-2001 season until a
reliable and acceptable field detection method is developed and is
readily available to law enforcement personnel.
