Regulation changes demand reduction of lead content in air

The US has introduced new rules on how much lead can be released into the air and has called for a tenfold decrease in the figure, it has emerged.

This move is the first time lead in the air has been addressed in 30 years, and marks attempts to further protect groups vulnerable to the substance, including children.

Lead is known to cause damage to organs and nerves as well as trigger high blood pressure and heart disease.

Under the regulations, lead emissions have been lowered from the previous 1978 standard of 1.5 micrograms of per cubic metre of air to 0.15 micrograms - a tenfold decrease.

Stephen Johnson, administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, said: "With these stronger standards, a new generation of Americans is being protected from harmful lead emissions."

In other environmental legislation news, a bill put forth by presidential candidate Barack Obama to halt the export of mercury from the US was signed into law last week by president George Bush.