Health Effects of Lead

Health Effects of Lead

Information on effects

Health Effects

Lead is absorbed into the body through inhalation or through ingestion of food and water that contains lead. Once absorbed, it accumulates in the body, especially in the teeth, bones, skin and muscles. Studies have shown that lead affects children more than adults. The main effects are on the cognitive development of children and a lowering of the child's IQ.

Sources

Lead is a widely used metal that is released into the atmosphere through mining activities, smelting and other industrial processes. Concentrations of lead in ambient air have been measured in the United Kingdom for some time and on a national basis it is estimated that 73% of the total emitted lead is from the use of leaded petrol. This figure may be higher for Hammersmith & Fulham due to the large number of traffic movements.

Standard

The standard to be achieved by 2005 is set as an annual concentration of 0.5 ug/m3. This figure is based on the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommendations on air pollution. EPAQS have since recommended a figure of 0.25 ug/m3. Given the current review process of the NAQS it is likely that the lower figure may be adopted.

Monitoring Results

With the increase in sales of unleaded fuel, measured concentrations of lead have fallen across London. Table 8 uses the information from the DETR's Cromwell Road site and from it's Central London site to demonstrate this. Annual average levels have been below the current recommended standard for a number of years. 

Table 8 Annual mean lead levels (ug/m3) 1990 to 1996.  DETR's monitoring sites.

Compliance with the standard

From the end of 1999 leaded petrol will no longer be available for general sale in the United Kingdom. The NAQS on page 110 paragraph 20 states "emissions of lead from petrol vehicles should decrease by over 80% by 2005 compared to 1995 levels." Measurements elsewhere in London have also shown current compliance with the standard to be achieved by 2005. Industrial emissions from Part B processes within the borough are insignificant. Therefore given the current recorded levels and the predicted fall in concentrations no further assessment will be required.

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