Supporters from all over the UK who attended the Construction Safety Campaign’s (CSC) AGM in London on Saturday 14 Nov 09 voted unanimously for the use of lead to be banned, a ban on all lead imports and zero exposure to lead at work.

This decision was taken following recent news that exposure to lead at levels way below the UK’s current ‘safe’ exposure limits can cause kidney and heart disease, brain damage, cancer and other serious disorders. The shocking report by Professor Watterson of Stirling University that the true extent of those at risk by exposure to lead at work is probably 100, 000 each year, which is 20 times higher than government current estimates.

Tony O’Brien, National Secretary CSC said: “Our AGM heard several recent examples of lead poisoning of construction workers. These included workers on a major project in Liverpool and East European migrant workers renovating a Scottish mansion all who suffered acute lead poisoning. Construction workers are at risk in old buildings from lead in pipes, paint, windows, roofing materials and elsewhere. Demolition and salvage workers recovering the metal are also at risk. We say there is now no reason not to use safer alternative materials to lead. We also say workers must be fully protected if they have to work on lead which is already in our homes and workplaces. The CSC insists the HSE urgently reviews it’s current unhealthy standards in the light of these shocking revelations and adopts our agreed, healthier, position.”

The CSC is also concerned that the developing ‘green industries’, recovery and recycling, which are increasingly unsafe and unhealthy. These will see many more workers exposed to lead and their health being put at long-term risk.

Contact:

Tony O’Brien, National Secretary CSC: 077 477 95954

Further information:

Guardian: HSE lead safety policy may be harming 100, 000 UK workers

Hazards: Dangerous lead

Hazards: We told you lead was dangerous