Guidance on lead incidents

Chemical compendium on lead
Background information, incident management, threshold levels and in-depth toxicology of lead.
Lead Action Card (PDF, 323 KB)
Resource for HPA staff describing how to respond to incidents involving lead. Includes actions, roles and responsibilities of different organisations, example scenarios and a sample questionnaire for investigation.
Chemical incident response workshops
There are currently no training events on lead planned for 2012. If you would like information on when one is planned, please register your interest by emailing chemicals.training@hpa.org.uk.
Frequently asked questions on lead poisoning for paediatricians (PDF, 100 KB)
Frequently asked questions for paediatricians developed by the National Poisons Information Service pertaining to lead poisoning. Covers signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
Surveillance of lead in children study
Details of joint HPA and British Paediatric Surveillance Unit study aiming to estimate the incidence of lead poisoning in children in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Information on childhood lead poisoning is available in a World Health Organization document.
Land contamination and public health
Information to assist HPA staff who are required to advise and support Local Authorities undertaking contaminated land investigations.
Lead articles published in Chemical Hazards and Poisons Reports
Articles published by the HPA on lead, discussing the public health impact of lead and reviews of poisoning incidents associated with water, land, paint and traditional remedies.
- The global lead challenge
  Thomas E et al, 2011; Issue 20, p34-36
- Lead, poultry and the food chain: three case studies
  Payne J et al, 2011; Issue 19, p13-15
- Study on elevated blood lead levels in children: Report from a public focus group meeting
  Wynne-Evans E et al, 2010; Issue 18, p43-46
- High lead soils: a potential risk to animal and public health
  Payne J et al, 2010; Issue 17, p42-45
- Lead in drinking water in new housing developments – sources of lead contamination other than lead pipes or solder
  Bulpitt S et al, 2009; Issue 15, p18-19
- Lead poisoning cases associated with environmental sources
  Brailsford S et al, 2008; Issue 11, p16-20
- The public health impact of lead and the role of health protection
  Jones A, 2006; Issue 8, p14-17
- Anaemia and lead toxicity
  Sekhar M, 2006; Issue 8, p12-13
- Lessons in lead: The forgotten childhood exposure
  Bracebridge S, 2003; CIR Issue 27, p31-37
- Scottish New Homes Lead Survey
  Ramsay C, 2002; CIR Issue 23, p22-23
- Land contamination: lead in allotment soil
  Prasad L, 1999; CIR Issue 12, p7
- Ensuring the protection of the public against unlicensed, alternative medicines - whose responsibility?
  Seng C et al, 1999; CIR Issue 12, p8