I've thought about this problem for a long time and have switched to either steel or aluminum shot long ago. But i also never thought it could really do any harm because of the density factor. I totally agree. But i read a recent biological report about them finding mercury and lead in resident salmon in the Tod's shipyard area or the mouth of the Duwamish(green). So they are getting it somewhere. Either the baitfish has it or crustations have it or they are getting it from the water column. I just think if the manufacturer tells you to never put it in your mouth or wash your hands after handling the product, then the littlest amounts have a big impact and it can't be good in any form, anywhere.