The main sources of Lead

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The Lead Education and Abatement Design Group
Working to eliminate childhood and foetal lead poisoning
by the year 2012 and to protect the environment from lead
ABN 25 819 463 114

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THE MAIN SOURCES OF LEAD

For a more comprehensive list of sources see: Sources of lead

1) Old paint from buildings built prior to 1970. There are at least 3.5 million homes in Australia with lead based paint and it is not possible to identify it by it’s "look". Lead paint is often sweet tasting and therefore children will pick at it and eat it and animals will lick it. Also, when this paint is sanded, scraped or is peeling it creates a dangerous lead dust that is easily inhaled or swallowed. This dust also enters soil where it is easily accessed by children or animals. LEAD does not BREAK DOWN. It remains toxic and unless dealt with safely it will not "go away."

2) Exhaust emissions from leaded petrol driven vehicles were another source of lead particles which not only polluted the air, but settled on soil and in buildings where people will come into contact with it.

3) Dust in the roof void (attic), wall cavity or under floor area is often contaminated with lead. So if a ceiling or wall is to come down, or a skylight or attic ladder is to be installed, care must be taken to prevent contamination of living spaces.

4) Workers such as furniture restorers, leadlighters, car battery and radiator workers and painters can bring home lead dust on their clothes and their children are poisoned as a result. Hobbyists such as fishermen making sinkers, shooters at indoor firing ranges or miniature collectors are also at risk.

5) The first flush of water in the morning or during the night should not be given to babies or young children because lead can leach into water. New taps can contain 4.5% lead and older taps may contain even more. New plumbing may leach lead for up to five years! A water filter may be the answer for your family can.jpg (39400 bytes) .

Some food cans sold in Australia STILL have lead solder. These cans are usually irregular in shape with a thick seam and horizontal depressions (dents). This is a source of lead that is EASILY avoided by buying a non lead-soldered product which has a flat welded seam.

7) If you are a gardener some above ground crops such as tomatoes and beans are better grown in "leaded soils" than veg.jpg (23027 bytes) root vegetables e.g potatoes and carrots. Also all produce, especially root vegetables, should be carefully washed or peeled before eating to minimise any risk. Vacuum cleaner dust should not be put in the compost bin as this dust can contain high levels of lead.

8) Pets often show symptoms of lead poisoning before people. If your pet is unwell and a vet diagnoses lead poisoning, you should see that ALL members of the household have a blood test for lead. Pets should be kept outside and definitely off children’s beds because they collect lead dust on their coats. Regular washing of the pet and handwashing for the family members is important.

ARE YOU AT RISK?

Have you renovated a pre 1970 home or do you live on a busy road?
Does your pre 1970 home have peeling or chalking paint?
Was the paint on your or your neighbours pre 1970 property ever sand or water blasted or renovated using sanding or some other unsafe dust creating method?
Does a member of the household work with lead or use it in a hobby?
Do you live near a source of lead contamination (e.g lead smelter, market garden once sprayed with lead arsenate, municipal incinerator, car repairer where paint is stripped, battery breaking yard).

WHAT CAN WE DO TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM LEAD?

The Lead Advisory Service Australia will give free telephone service, free written material and free community workshops and meetings to parents. We will provide advice and support about any lead related questions or concern that you may have. Advice such as: where to have samples of paint, dust or soil analysed, how to take simple steps with diet to reduce the absorption rate of lead, how to undertake a safe renovation or how to ensure your tradesperson uses safe methods.