Independent report

Exposure to lead: effects on fertility and cancer: IIAC position paper 28

A review of the health effects of lead exposure on fertility and cancer.

• From: Industrial Injuries Advisory Council and Department for Work and Pensions
• Published: 23 November 2010

Documents

Lead and a) fertility or b) cancer

Ref: IIAC position paper 28

PDF, 207 KB, 27 pages

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Details

Concerns were expressed in the media in 2009 that a number of conditions, thought to be associated with occupational exposure to lead, were not covered in the list of prescribed diseases for which people can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

Having reviewed the evidence on lead exposed workers and fertility, only a slight effect on male fertility was shown, and little evidence was found relating to the effect on female workers.

Despite substantial evidence of a potential association between lead exposed workers and the overall risk of developing cancer, evidence relating to specific cancer sites was small.

The council was unable to make recommendations for changes to the list of prescribed diseases for which people can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

Published 23 November 2010