Health and Safety Executive

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HSE statement: lead exposure

A HSE spokesman said:

“HSE's regulations and statutory guidance on lead exposure are both in line with the wider EU regulatory framework.

As with all hazardous substances, we look to take into account new evidence in framing regulations, guidance to employers and advice to workers so that proper protections are in place.

When appropriate we will also undertake research as we have done with blood lead levels. This will continue to be the case.

We do not have evidence that there is a widespread problem of employers failing in their duty to protect workers from exposure to lead, including by arranging medical check ups.

But where we discover that employers are failing in this duty we can and will take enforcement action.

The leaflet 'Lead and You' was due a periodic review that has now begun and this will take into account the latest scientific developments and the language used to be clear about risks. The leaflet will then be republished and will also be available free online on the HSE website.

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Updated 2012-11-19