Since that fateful day the technology changed, as did the paint we use, as did everything else. The early pioneers of the game didn't know what they started. Everything we use in the sport of paintball has little to no environmental impact. The paintballs themselves are glycol, sorbitol, food colouring inside a gelatin capsule. The paintguns are powered with refillable compressed Carbon-Dioxide tanks or compressed air rigs.
Nothing is left behind.
The game has a very low injury rating. The reason the game is so safe is the procedures we all adhere to. We may disagree on details, but all paintball players agree that you must wear paintball approved goggles when you go onto the field to play. Ski, motocross, shop or chemical goggles will not stop a paintball. What we use will.