Lead: Metal mines pollution raises health risk concerns

To rule out any risks, potential threats need to be identified, Prof Lanphear said.

“One of the key functions of public health is to identify potential threats and to make sure if it is or isn’t real.

“If it’s not then people can be assured, and we can worry about other problems,” he said.

That would then allow for additional steps to be taken if necessary, he added.

The UK government ruled out population testing in 2008.

Robin Morris and his wife have lived in Cwmystwyth, Ceredigion, for 45 years.

“Within sight of here and certainly within easy walking distance there are a dozen mine entrances where they used to work the mines,” he said.

“You can see old spoil heaps, they’ve just been left, crushed the ore and left it just lying there.”