LEAD - 23.04.2010

Is lead as bad as asbestos?

In the news

You may remember that we recently reported on the HSE re-issuing its guidance on managing lead in the workplace (yr.8, iss.12, pg.2, see The next step). It did this because it came under fire from some quarters, as scientific evidence suggested that exposure limits should be lowered. However, this hasn’t stopped some people from saying that lead is as bad as asbestos and should be banned. So is it?

Lead hazards

Lead occurs on roofs, in old pipework, in urban dusts, in scrap or as an additive to paints. It’s a concern because if the lead particles are swallowed or if lead fume or dust is inhaled, it accumulates in the bones and causes lead poisoning of the blood. Common symptoms of acute lead poisoning are vomiting, stomach cramps, constipation, fatigue, moodiness, headache and anaemia. There are also longer term problems associated with lead exposure including kidney damage, nerve damage and infertility.

Comparable to asbestos?

However, it’s nowhere near as harmful as asbestos; you need to do something, e.g. heat the material, for the hazardous fumes or dust to be released. For most who work in a building which has lead pipes, paint work etc., the risk is close to zero. It only becomes significant, and therefore needs controlling, when work is carried out on lead-containing materials, e.g. sanding or stripping lead paint, working with lead on roofs, hot cutting during demolition, manufacturing involving lead or lead compounds and scrap recovery.

Where will it be?

Currently, the most common uses of lead are in building flashing, e.g. below gutters. If the building was painted before the 1970s, it’s quite possible lead will be found in some of the paint surfaces, especially if it’s there to protect against corrosion.

Note. Lead-based paints aren’t available to the public. Their sale is now restricted to contractors who are using it on conservation projects etc.

Tip 1. Unlike asbestos, there’s no need to engage a specialist contractor to take samples or to carry out work on lead. Likewise, there’s no licensed contractor scheme.

Tip 2. If you are a client having work done by a contractor, specify that lead-free paint must be used (unless otherwise stated). If you think you may have lead-containing paint in the building, there’s no need to take immediate action; however, it’s worth locating any areas of concern. Also, if you find lead paint, don’t remove it. The safest option is to paint over it.

Tip 3. If you think that old paint may contain lead, test it. Kits are readily available from trade suppliers and DIY stores (see The next step).

Tip 4. When stripping and sanding lead-based paint, safety measures include wet sanding; use of personal protective clothing and equipment including respirators; use of extraction equipment and encouraging good personal hygiene standards.

For a previous article on lead (HS 08.16.02A) and for further information on lead testing kits (HS 08.16.02B), visit http://healthandsafety.indicator.co.uk.