WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - With the gun deer opener just days away, hunters are being warned about potential health risks from lead ammunition.

A health expert with Marshfield Clinic says hunters using lead bullets could be putting their families at risk when consuming venison.

"Any amount of lead is considered toxic. And so though we want to reduce that risk, if we can eliminate it, that's even better. And the best way to eliminate lead exposure is to use lead-free ammunition," said David Holz, a pediatrician with Marshfield Clinic.

Lead bullets often fragment into microscopic pieces upon impact, making it difficult to know you're consuming it. Lead-free options like copper bullets are more expensive but won't fragment and are not as toxic.

Holz says signs of acute lead toxicity vary for everyone.

"Some potential subtle signs of lead poisoning could be developing recurrent headaches, fatigue," Holz said. "Just a number of symptoms that are really nonspecific to lead poisoning but can be associated with that."

Children under six years old absorb and retain higher levels of lead, which can severely impact their IQ, behavior, speech and risk of ADHD.

"I think it's valuable to know that when people are hunting, they are considering who is consuming that meat," Holz said.

Adults can sometimes filter out the toxins, but if you have higher levels, treatment may include chelation therapy at a hospital. Holz adds making sure the meat is processed properly will also lower your and anyone else's risk of lead poisoning.