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Strategies for eliminating childhood lead poisoning
How does your state measure up?
by Amanda Kirk
Last October the LEAD Group wrote to Health and
Environment Ministers outside NSW
asking about their lead abatement and management
strategies. The letter sought to ascertain how each state and
territory's lead control strategy measures up to our objectives (listed
pp 18-19).
The responses we received are summarised below,
along with a summary of the situation in NSW, where the LEAD Group has
been consulting with the EPA and the Health Department.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the responses
is that all states except NSW appear to be merely passing the buck to
the National Health and Medical Research Council'(NHMRC).
Victoria
The strategies of the LEAD Group (as outlined in
the letter) are 'under consideration'. The ministers are awaiting the
results of the NHMRC's review of levels of concern for blood lead levels
and management strategies for lead in blood and air. The Victorian
government considers these issues to be best dealt with at the national
level.
South Australia
The SA health department will review the Port Pirie
program to reduce children's exposure to lead III 1994, and take into
account advice provided by the NHMRC's review of levels of concern.
The environment department said any decision to
change the specification for lead in petrol will be based on review at
the national forum, i.e. the NHMRC.
Western Australia
The WA health department also said it would be
guided by the NHMRC in establishing levels of concern. A small survey by
the department showed the average blood lead levels in children surveyed
was below the US recommended community intervention level.
Therefore W A sees no need to introduce universal
screening of 6-12 month-old children. They do state, however, that they
would support improved training for health care workers.
The WA EPA cited its regulation which controls
the lead concentration in petrol supplied in WA. The EPA's policy on
leaded petrol requires that the concentration be lowered to 0.40g of
lead per litre by 1 January 1996.
Queensland
The Queensland department of health outlined its
procedures which include notification of blood lead levels above
specified limits, restrictions on the use of lead in paint on buildings
accessible to children, public information on the safe removal of lead
paint and the targeting of children at risk for screening.
Blood lead screening of pre-schoolers is not
routinely undertaken. In February 1993, Queensland Health will host an
international meeting on lead which will determine, amongst other
issues, and international consensus on blood lead levels and ambient air
levels.
By January 1994, Queensland petrol will have a
maximum of 0.40g lead per litre. The environment department only
monitors ambient levels and regulates lead in fuels. There are
specific regulations for hazardous operations and contaminated sites.
It is proposed that controls governing the
emissions of lead should be guided by NHMRC recommendations.
ACT
The ACT has no policies for eliminating childhood
lead poisoning because 'there is no significant lead related industry in
the ACT and the introduction of lead free petrol has significantly
reduced levels of lead in the air'. Again the ACT is expecting to comply
with nationally set standards and guidelines, set by the NHMRC by mid
1993.
Northern Territory
There has been no response from the Northern
Territory.
Tasmania
There has been no response from Tasmania.
NSW
The Environment Protection Authority (EP A) is
producing a position paper on lead which will contain a range of policy
options for consideration by the government. Once the preferred policy
is adopted, the EPA will set up a framework for community participation
in the development and implementation of strategies to bring the policy
into effect. They will seek the LEAD Group's input at that stage.
The EPA's response emphasised the achievements
already made in the reduction of lead levels, eg in paint and food
containers.
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