This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Executive Takes Action On Lead In Water
27/11/2000
Scottish Health and Environment Ministers have joined forces to crack down on the illegal use of lead solder today following a report into lead levels in the water in new Scottish homes.
A survey of new houses carried out by the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH) commissioned by the Scottish Executive, has discovered that some plumbers have been breaking the law by using lead solder in domestic plumbing. Evidence of lead solder contaminating water was found in a significant proportion of new houses. However, in only a very small percentage of cases the lead level at the cold water kitchen tap exceeded the UK limit.
Health Minister Susan Deacon and Environment Minister Sam Galbraith have combined to take immediate action. This includes:
- Extending the time limit for prosecution for using lead solder following a review of current byelaws which govern this time limit.
- An increase in the fine imposed for such a violation.
- A possible ban on the use of lead solder in construction
- Joint working with the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation to remind members that using lead solder in domestic plumbing is illegal.
- A public information initiative to highlight the simple precautions which can be taken to protect health.
Speaking today, Health Minister Susan Deacon said that more needed to be done to protect the public's health:
"I am appalled to discover that illegal construction practice means that some people in new homes have suffered unsafe levels of lead in their domestic water. Such practices breach the water byelaws. This is unacceptable.
"Prolonged exposure to lead contamination of drinking water can damage health. That is why my colleague Sam Galbraith, the Environment Minister and I are acting to stamp out the practice of using lead solder, which is entirely unnecessary in domestic plumbing systems.
"Discussions have already been held with the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation (SNIPEF) about further steps they might take to stress to their members the illegality of using lead solder in domestic plumbing. I am glad that the Federation has already written to their members on this issue and is happy to support the Executive by doing so again.
"In addition to this, a weakness in the existing byelaws has been identified. At present, proceedings against those who breach the byelaws must be initiated within 6 months of the alleged offence. As this can cause difficulties, we propose to extend the time limit and increase the maximum level of fine from £1000 to £2,500.
"Water authorities have also stepped up their checking of new houses in the light of this evidence of abuse.
"The possibility of a total ban on the use of a lead solder in construction is also being explored. SNIPEF support such a step and have already asked their members to impose a voluntary ban with immediate effect on the use of lead solder in both water and heating systems.
"Although the survey confirms that the number of new houses with significant contamination is small, the Executive will ensure that everyone who is worried about lead levels in their water supply has access to advice and information.
"There are steps everyone can take to reduce risks. Simple precautions such as drinking only from the kitchen cold water tap and running the water for a minute before using it for drinking or cooking will remove virtually all traces of lead. This applies to all houses, old and new.
"We are not complacent, a public information initiative will start on 4 December. Press advertising and the information leaflet will highlight these simple precautions which can allay people's fears and minimise the potentially harmful effects of lead in water."
BACKGROUND
1. The SCIEH survey covered 661 houses built between 1997 and 2000 in Scotland and involved the collected of three water samples from each house - from the main kitchen cold water tap, from the bathroom cold water tap and from the bathroom hot water tap. About half a per cent of those houses tested had a lead level which failed to meet the existing water lead standard of 50 micrograms per litre. However, five times that number had lead concentrations above the standard proposed by the year 2013 under the new EC drinking water directive of 10 micrograms per litre. Levels above this value have been associated with increased absorption and storage of lead in the brain which can impair a child's intellectual development.
2. The survey set a threshold of 5 micrograms per litre as the level indicating that lead solder is likely to be present in the domestic plumbing.
News Release: SE3051/2000
27 Nov 2000