Pollution risk in third of new homes

The use of lead soldering was prohibited in the 1960s

Nearly a third of new homes in Scotland could be at risk from lead pollution from the solder used in their pipes, a report has revealed.

The extent of the problem has been outlined in a new study by the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH).

It had been thought that about 15% of new homes in Scotland contained illegal lead soldered pipes, but the SCIEH now believes the figure to be twice as high.

Tests were carried out on kitchen tap water in about 60 newly completed houses across the country.

Homeowners involved in the study gave blood samples which were found to contain higher than average levels of lead, which experts linked to the drinking of contaminated tap water.

Although no-one fell ill, the exposure to lead left people in these houses at a greater risk of health problems.

We are determined to rigorously pursue people who fail to meet the high standards we set and we are taking concerted action Scottish Water

The presence of lead in drinking water can cause lead toxicity, especially in young children and pregnant women.

Any workman caught using lead solder can be fined up to £2,500 in court but this is being increased to £5,000.

Deputy Health Minister Tom McCabe said he would instruct the SCIEH to widen its investigation to newer homes on the back of the survey's results.

"The results of this survey of homes confirm that people were being exposed to lead in their drinking water as a direct consequence of illegal construction practices prevalent at the time," he said.

"This justifies the actions we initiated at the time to improve health protection and to eradicate this illegal and unacceptable practice."

'Safe and clean'

Geoff Aitkenhead, of Scottish Water, condemned the use of lead soldering in plumbing.

He said: "We are determined to rigorously pursue people who fail to meet the high standards we set and we are taking concerted action.

"Scottish Water's number one priority is to ensure that Scotland's drinking water continues to be safe and clean and we are making a concerted effort on many fronts to reduce the risk of lead contamination in drinking water.

"The figures show that the use of lead solder in domestic plumbing systems has been a problem."

Robert Burgon, of the Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (Snipef), added: "We have spent nearly £250,000 on training our members in water bylaws and we are keen to work with the Health Department to ensure that there is no re-occurrence of this problem."