 |
global lead advice
& support service
|
| |
|
Run by |

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 |
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 its "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 .
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 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 childrens 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.
If you or a child may have
been exposed to lead the only reliable way of knowing is to have a blood lead test
conducted. Ask your GP.
If you
would like more information please phone
FREECALL 1800 626 086
Phone (02) 9716 0132; Fax (02) 9716 9005
Email Web: www.lead.org.au
For a more
comprehensive list of sources see: Sources of lead |