07/04-09   -   Press releases

Lead sheet - Time to dispel the myths

London, 6th April 2009 - From time to time lead sheet has been subject to public concern regarding its suitability as a roofing material. To address this concern head on, the European Lead Sheet Industry Association (ELSIA) has released a technical brochure that summarises the conclusions of independent research carried out over recent years. ELSIA´s aim is to dispel the myths and focus on the facts.

Key Facts

• Properly installed and handled, lead sheet poses no risk to the environment or people
• Lead sheet out performs all alternative man-made materials in its field
• More than 95% of lead used in the manufacture of lead sheet comes from recycling
• The relatively low melting point of lead, 327°C, means the recycling process has a minimal environmental impact
• Lead sheet affords attractive, permanent protection against the weather
• The proven life of lead sheet is hundreds of years

Over the past several years the European Lead Sheet Industry Association (ELSIA) has invested in independent research to investigate the validity of public concerns. Details of the research findings are presented in the brochure but can be briefly summarized as follows: Contrary to public perception, lead sheet poses no risk to the environment, even when water run-off is taken into account. Nor, provided that it is correctly applied in compliance with standard construction industry practice, does it present any risk to human beings. Furthermore, providing simple hygienic precautions are observed, people who handle significant quantities of lead do not expose themselves to occupational health risks. Finally, all the alternative products are more damaging to the environment than lead sheet and have a higher total cost.

"The aim of ELSIA is to confront any negative perceptions surrounding the use of lead sheet and to inform the public using well-founded research" states Ben Travers, Chairman of ELSIA. "Many people just don´t realise that lead sheet used for roofing is both safe and very green - it is highly durable and is recycled time after time. Lobbyists for alternative products with shorter lives, and that cannot be recycled, are ill-informed, and we should try to redress that." The recently released technical brochure is available to download in PDF format on the ELSIA website at www.elsia.eu.


About ELSIA:
The European Lead Sheet Industry Association (ELSIA) is the central trade association of the European lead sheet manufacturing industry. All members work to an established EN standard that guarantees the highest level of product quality. ELSIA is committed to funding long-term research and development to ensure that its products are environmentally sound. The members take a modern, responsible attitude to the health and safety of stakeholders and the environment.

- Photos free of charge upon request, © ELSIA (www.elsia.eu) -

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