LEAD RISK UNDERESTIMATED BY HSE

Channel 4 alleges HSE ignoring expert advice on exposure to lead

Lead exposure at six times lower than the current limit could cause heart disease, brain damage and cancer.

Studies from the US and elsewhere have discovered serious health effects at levels down to 10mg per decilitre, or below compared to the UK limit of 60.

HSE figures show that 5,000 workers were exposed to lead in excess of 10mg per decilitre in 2007-08.

Channel 4 News surveyed 50 scrap yards across the UK to find that 47 employees had never been tested for lead. Demolition workers, those handling lead or working on lead containing surfaces e.g. paint, and may be at risk.

This article was posted on 10th November 2009 in ALL LATEST NEWS.
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