Lead

Although not purely an air pollutant, inhalation of and ingestion of airborne lead and its fallout are important potential sources of exposure.

Lead is used in the manufacture of batteries, metal products, paints, and ceramic glazes.

Exposure to lead can occur from breathing contaminated workplace air or house dust or eating lead-based paint chips or contaminated dirt. The relative importance of the various sources depends on local factors, such as the presence of lead smelters, lead paint in the home, the level in dust and the amount present in water supplies. In areas where there are high levels in dust or soil (frequently from fallout from vehicles) ingestion via fingers, toys, etc. is an important route for children.

The largest source of lead in the atmosphere has been from leaded petrol combustion, but with the phase out of leaded petrol, air lead levels have decreased considerably. Other airborne sources include combustion of solid waste, coal, and oils, emissions from iron and steel production and lead smelters, and tobacco smoke

Lead can damage a range of biochemical systems in humans. In particular it can damage haemoglobin production, the nervous system, the kidneys, the reproductive system, joints and the gastrointestinal tract, etc. Children are particularly sensitive and it has been suggested that high blood levels are related to behavioural problems and lower IQs

The Government has set an annual mean objective of 0.5 ug/m3 to be achieved by 31.12.2004 and 0.25 ug/m3 to be achieved by 31.12.2008