Lead is a naturally-occurring metal in the earth, but activities like mining and manufacturing have meant that lead exposure has become far more prevalent. Irreversible damage can occur in babies and young children in a similar way that passive smoking affects non-smokers, but lead poisoning in adults is often a consequence of their chosen career.

Where adequate protection was not provided to you during your career and you contracted lead poisoning as a result, you are in a position to make a lead poisoning claim against your employer on the basis of negligence.

Lead poisoning is the result of exposure, either from swallowing, or by inhaling its dust. Some of the ways this could happen include: contaminated air, water or soil; food produce and consumer products, such as old house paint, painted toys and furniture.

What makes lead so hazardous is that it cannot be seen, tasted or smelt, so lead can build up inside of the body over a number of years with no link made between your symptoms and lead exposure.

Employees who manufacture lead containing products are obviously at a very high risk of lead poisoning, but it can also affect those whose job involves welding, rubber manufacture, printing and pain production, amongst many other activities.

Employers in these industries have a legal responsibility to monitor workers who are at a known risk of lead poisoning and other occupational illnesses.

If you are diagnosed with lead poisoning, you may then be able to make a hazardous substances claim against your employer for compensation.

The symptoms of lead poisoning vary depending on how long you have been exposed to the substance and the level of lead in the blood. Although the symptoms are not always obvious, a single high dose of lead can cause severe emergency symptoms, such as vomiting, seizures, or coma.

Below are just a handful of the symptoms of lead poisoning;

• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Irritability
• Changes in behaviour
• Anaemia
• Kidney failure
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Britain’s industry is governed by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) which works to limit the amount of substances that employees are exposed to. Unfortunately, these set limits are not always adhered to, but where a strong link can be made between the diagnosis of lead poisoning and your working environment, it is likely that you will be entitled to make a lead poisoning claim.