Rationale for the development of soil, drinking water, and air quality criteria for lead

Abstract

As part of its regulatory mandate, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MOEE) establishes and enforces standards and guidelines for environmental quality. This document provides the rationale for recommending a revised drinking water objective, soil clean- up guidelines and air quality standards and guidelines for lead which are protective of human health and the environment. This document primarily deals with risk management and policy issues related to the establishment of standards and guidelines for lead. A separate document entitled Scientific Criteria Document for Multimedia Standards Development: Lead provides a detailed discussion of the toxicological assessment for lead and the levels of exposure for people in Ontario.