Cases of lead exposure in children increased in 2023, according to UKHSA.
In 2021, the case definition of elevated blood lead concentrations (BLCs) was halved from 0.48 micromoles per litre (µmol/L) to 0.24 µmol/L in England. As a result, there was an expected increase in cases, but cases have continued to rise each subsequent year.
Among the cases reported to the lead exposure in children surveillance system (LEICSS), young males aged one- to four-years-old are most affected, more commonly living in deprived areas and older housing. Children with learning or developmental difficulties are at a higher risk of exposure, with 69% of reported cases undergoing intervention also experiencing learning difficulties.
Lead exposure can damage the nervous system, delay growth and cause hearing loss. Though it is hard to identify lead poisoning at lower BLCs, healthcare workers can help to identify potential symptoms such as pica behaviours. Pica is displayed in 82% of reported cases going through intervention.
‘There is no safe level of lead exposure, and early identification remains crucial for protecting children’s health,’ said Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA, Araceli Busby. ‘We urge paediatricians and other healthcare workers to continue to report any suspected cases to us.
‘The increased case numbers largely reflects our enhanced surveillance following the lowering of intervention thresholds in 2021, but it’s vital that we continue this work to monitor levels, observe trends and behaviours and take public health measures to prevent further exposure in children.’
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