Lead Incidents

Lead is a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust and is widespread in the environment, mostly due to human activities.  Exposure to lead occurs mostly through food and drinking water, although exposure via soil, dust, air and flaking paint may also occur, especially in children.  

The harmful effects that may occur from lead largely depend on how much people have been exposed to and for how long, therefore the amount of lead in the blood is often measured. Eating food or drink or breathing in air contaminated with lead or lead compounds for a short period usually does not cause any ill effects. In rare cases nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or kidney damage may occur.

If exposure continues for a long time people may become anaemic, lethargic and irritable or show other symptoms such as headache, muscle tremors, kidney or liver damage, nausea, vomiting or high blood pressure. Being exposed to lead for a long time can also affect both male and female reproduction, leading to miscarriage, stillbirths or premature births.

Information for the public

Information for members of the public who may be worried about sources of lead in their home.

Information for professionals