HC Deb 22 March 1983 vol 39 cc403-4W
Mr. Murphy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the detailed analysis of the United Kingdom results from the second campaign in the European Community population screening programme for lead is now complete.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The final results of the 1981 United Kingdom campaign have been published today in the Department of the Environment's pollution report series. I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library.

The results confirm that, in the United Kingdom, there is no generl problem of excessive exposure to lead. The surveys concentrated on areas with a higher than normal risk of excessive exposure, but even so, all but three of the 35 groups surveyed fell well within the "reference levels" in the EC directive, and only a small minority of individuals had blood-lead levels high enough to warrant remedial action. In all those cases, the cause was invariably either exposure to a localised source of lead—such as plumbosolvent water—or exposure to a source specific to the individual—such as careless removal of old leaded paint. There were no problems of excessive exposure to general sources such as lead from vehicle emissions; blood-lead levels in areas of heavy traffic—including the M4 motorway, where both adults and children were surveyed—were generally low and virtually indistinguishable from those found in areas carrying less traffic. Overall, there has been some decline in blood-lead levels since 1979, with the most marked improvement in those areas where action has been taken against a particular local source.

I warmly welcome these results, which reinforce the Government's view about the importance of continuing to tackle vigorously lead pollution from all sources. The evidence shows that there is much that can be achieved at local level, with action tailored to suit local circumstances; and we have recognised this by issuing information and advice to local authorities on those sources of lead which fall within their responsibilities for environmental and public health.

On a national level, as the measures announced in May 1981 by my right hon. Friend work through—including a reduction of two thirds in petrol-lead levels by the end of 1985—we can expect substantial further reductions in everyone's exposure to lead.

Looking to the future, we are considering the most appropriate means of monitoring the effects of reduced environmental lead levels on the general population. We shall also continue to keep a close watch on new evidence on both exposure to lead and its effects on health in order to assess the need for further action.

My warm thanks go to all those who contributed to the success of both campaigns and particularly to those members of the public who volunteered to take part.