Lead Testing

Weight: 1kg maximum per filled sample bottle

Dimensions: 25.5 x 15.5 x 14.5 cm

Lead is a risk to human health if it has been allowed to build up in the body over the years. Those most at risk are pregnant women and young children as it slows down mental and physical growth and development. Small amounts of lead contamination may not be harmful to adults but could be a risk to children. Larger amounts of lead contamination can be a risk to adult health, causing problems such as cardiovascular disease as well as kidney problems, anaemia, problems with the nervous system and male infertility. 

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that is found throughout the world and is a commonly used material in the manufacture of many products. Natural lead which is known as organic lead, is rarely a problem, but refined lead, known as inorganic lead, can become harmful to human health if it gets into the environment. 

In the UK, there are stringent controls relating to levels of lead in the water, food and atmosphere to minimise the risks. Testing the levels of lead in your water system is therefore an integral part of your health and safety responsibilities.

Exposure to inorganic lead material can lead to the risk of lead poison. The resulting health problems will depend on the amount of lead you’re exposed to and the length of exposure. 

• Low-level exposure to lead for short periods usually doesn’t cause problems in the human body. However, even short exposure to high lead levels can. Lead poison symptoms can include stomach upset, mood changes, headaches, hallucinations and poor concentration. In extreme cases, it can cause damage to the brain or kidneys. 

• Exposure to low levels of lead over a long period can cause serious problems. Symptoms in adults include anaemia, low blood pressure, brain damage, kidney damage, and nervous system damage, as well as problems with reproduction in both men and women. There is also evidence to suggest that it may cause cancer. 

• Pregnant women and young children are particularly at risk from the dangers of long-term exposure to inorganic lead. Adverse effects can result in miscarriage, premature birth or stillbirths. Children exposed to lead while in the womb, or their first few years are at risk of developmental problems, for example, a lower IQ, nerve damage and behavioural problems.

Lead is currently used in a range of products such as steel products, solder, cabling, circuit boards, ammunition, and systems that shield humans from radiation and X-rays. However, the majority of lead – 85.18% – is used in batteries, principally car batteries but also other industrial batteries such as those used for telecommunications and data networks. 

In the past, lead was added to petrol, and used in paints, food cans, and piping. As a consequence of the health risks, lead paint was banned in the UK in 1992, and leaded petrol was banned under EU law in 2000.

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Currently, the majority of lead pollution is caused by industrial emissions from mining and smelting, as well as improper recycling and waste incineration. Ammunition and lead-based fishing weights are also significant sources of lead in the environment.

With the reduction in the use of lead in products, there is less lead in the environment than in previous years. A report published 20 years after the ban on lead in petrol found lead in the atmosphere in London at sufficient levels to continue to pose a risk to neurodevelopment in children.

If you work in an older building, it is a good idea to do a lead analysis of the water to check for evidence of lead compounds. If lead compounds are present in the analysis, it will indicate there may still be lead water pipes on the premises. If you are certain all the lead piping has been replaced but are still getting a positive reading, this could be evidence that water pipes have been fused or repaired using lead solder.

This occurs when lead builds up in the body, often due to exposure to lead-containing substances such as contaminated water, paint, or dust. This can have adverse effects on various bodily systems, including the nervous system, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive system. A blood test, known as a lead blood test, is typically performed. This test measures the amount of lead in the bloodstream and helps assess the level of exposure. Elevated levels of lead in the blood may indicate poisoning and can lead to symptoms such as mild anaemia, nerve conduction velocity reduction, and high serum uric acid levels. Regular blood testing for lead is crucial, especially for individuals with potential exposure to heavy metals.

Home testing kits, such as the Osumex Lead Test Kit, provide a convenient way to test for lead over-exposure in various substances, including water, urine, food, and organic materials like dirt or paint. These kits offer easy-to-use methods for detecting the presence of lead, with results available in minutes. High exposure to lead can have serious negative effects on health, including neurological effects, nerve conduction velocity reduction, and postural sway. Regular testing for lead is essential, especially for individuals with potential exposure to heavy metals. Special instructions provided with the testing kits should be followed carefully to ensure accurate results and proper handling of the testing materials.