asked the Minister for the Environment the measures taken to monitor the emission of lead into the environment and the amount of such emission for the most recent year for which figures are available.
359.
Written Answers. - Emission of Lead.
358.
asked the Minister for the Environment the research, if any, being undertaken by his Department of the dangers posed by the emission of lead into the environment as vehicle exhaust and the levels of such emissions considered safe.
It is proposed, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to reply to Questions No. 358 and 359 together.
The concentration of lead in the atmosphere is monitored by Dublin Corporation at O'Connell Street, Dame Street and Kilbarrack. The monitoring results indicate that the levels of atmospheric lead concentrations on a mean annual 24 hour basis at both the O'Connell Street and Dame Street stations, which are located in heavily trafficked areas, are below the level of two micrograms per cubic metre which is the limit value prescribed in the proposed EEC Council Directive on air quality standards for lead to help protect human health against the effects of lead in the environment. The atmospheric lead concentrations measured at the Kilbarrack monitoring station, which is in a residential area, are also below the proposed EEC limit value. My Department are at present actively engaged in discussing the proposed directive at EEC Environment Council level.
The emission of lead into the environment from all sources is not monitored. It is estimated, however, that during 1978 about 620 tonnes of lead were emitted from petrol driven engines in Ireland based on the estimated consumption of petrol and its lead content.
The results of monitoring carried out by the Department of Health in implementation of the EEC Directive on biological standards for lead and the screening of the population for lead indicate that the blood lead levels of the population groups tested are below the levels prescribed in the directive.
I am not aware of any evidence that lead in air in this country has reached or is likely to reach a level which would justify concern in relation to public health. Accordingly, no research is being undertaken by any Department in regard to dangers posed by emissions of lead to the atmosphere. I am aware, however, of studies which have been carried out elsewhere and of studies currently in progress in the UK which are expected to be completed soon. My Department keep in touch with such research.