§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will outline current studies into the pervasiveness of lead in the environment and in diet; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 18 January 1990]: I have been asked to reply.
My Department has recently published food surveillance report No. 27 "Lead in Food: Progress Report" which gives details of studies on lead in the diet and the measures taken to reduce exposure. This records the significant drop in lead intake from this source which has occurred over the last decade.
Numerous studies on lead levels in soil, dusts, stream sediments, air and water have also been carried out in recent times together with blood lead level monitoring in children and adults. These environmental programmes have been kept under review by the Department of the Environment steering group on environmental lead monitoring and used to influence and check on the effectiveness of action taken to reduce exposure.
Monitoring of lead in the diet, air and water is continuing and research is being carried out into the contribution made by lead in dust and soil to the total exposure of children to this metal.