Ecology seeks comment on plan to reduce exposure to lead

Washington State Department of Ecology

Department of Ecology News Release - September 10, 2008

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Ecology seeks comment on plan to reduce exposure to lead

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) recommends actions to protect human health and the environment from lead in the draft Lead Chemical Action Plan now available for public review and comment.

Lead is highly toxic to most living things. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of the bluish-grey metal used in an increasing number of products.

Next week, Ecology will host two public meetings to listen to comments and share information on the Lead Chemical Action Plan (CAP).

Lead is a naturally occurring element, known for being soft, malleable and resistant to corrosion. In the past, lead was used extensively in paints, gasoline, plumbing and pesticides. Exposure to old lead-based paint is the most frequent cause of lead poisoning in children today.

While many uses of lead have been phased out, lead is still found in many new products. The largest use of lead currently is for automotive lead-acid batteries. Computers, solder and other alloys (including brass plumbing fixtures), vinyl, ammunition, fishing tackle, wheel weights, optical glass, and stained glass also use lead.

Also, lead is released into the environment by large sources such as industrial facilities.

People also can be exposed to lead as a result of product disposal. For example, lead in landfills can leach out to wastewater treatment plants and be released in wastewater or sewage sludge.

The Lead CAP was developed with the help of the state Department of Health, seven other state agencies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and an advisory committee of 17 representatives of business, health, environmental, and local government organizations.

The CAP recommends a variety of actions, including public education, increased blood lead testing, continued environmental testing, removal of existing exposure sources, and preventing new exposure sources.

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Media Contacts:
Kathy Davis, media relations, 360-407-6149
Carol Kraege, Solid Waste Program, 360-407-6906
Holly Davies, Solid Waste Program, 360-407-7398

For more information:
Lead Chemical Action Plan http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/pbt/lead.html (Link updated 03/16/09)