Vol. 417 No. 7
34 Mr. T. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the studies which are being undertaken at present in his Department; the steps he is proposing to take regarding the dangers of lead poisoning, especially for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
No studies are currently being undertaken by my Department in this regard. A survey of dust levels in 30 school playgrounds and environs in the Dublin city area which was completed in 1982 concluded that the levels of lead in dust compared favourably with those revealed in similar surveys of metropolitan areas in Britian and the USA and were not a cause for concern.
As food is reported to be the major source for ingested lead, it may be noted that my Department has laid down limits of lead in over 60 foods and beverages by regulations made in 1972. Compliance with the requirements of these regulations is monitored on an ongoing basis.
I do not consider any further measures are called for on my part at this time.
