“The poison after the shot”: a Milano the exhibition that reveals the impact of lead on wildlife, the environment and human health

Until the 1 March 2026, Natural History Museum of Milano hosts the exhibition “Poison after the shot. Lead in hunting poisons birds, the environment, and humans.”, an exhibition promoted by the City of Milano and created in collaboration with the E. Caffi Natural Science Museum of Bergamo , Italian Society of Natural Sciences.

Curated by Enrico Bassi , Gloria Ramello , Paolo Pantini and Giorgio Chiozzi , the exhibition renews and expands the edition presented in Bergamo in 2023 during BGBS2023 – Italian Capital of Culture , delving into the risks associated with the use of lead in hunting ammunition , a topic that is still too little known today.

Lead in ammunition: an invisible threat to wildlife, the environment, and humans.

Through naturalistic finds , samples , images , historical collections, and multimedia installations, the exhibition clearly and scientifically illustrates the effects of saturnism —lead poisoning—on aquatic birds , birds of prey , and large European vultures . The exhibition shows how this silent threat affects not only wildlife , but also humans and domestic animals , highlighting the urgent need for greater public awareness.

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An alliance between museums and science for a necessary change

The exhibition highlights the importance of scientific dissemination and collaboration between museums , research institutions , and institutions in raising public awareness. The goal is to contribute to cultural and regulatory change , promoting a more responsible use of natural resources and alternatives to lead.

During the opening months , guided tours , informative meetings , conferences , and educational activities for schools, families, and enthusiasts will be offered to explore the relationship between hunting , the environment , and public health . The exhibition is designed for a broad audience and adopts a rigorous yet accessible approach. The exhibition thus encourages critical reflection on an often overlooked issue, offering a balanced vision in which hunting tradition can coexist with environmental and health protection.