Dr & Mrs N D Barrett
Maroubra NSW 18th July 1994
Dear Elizabeth
We are going to live in Brazil for a few years! Before we go I can
report more good news. In the 6 months we've lived in Maroubra Angus' lead level has
halved!!! He is .56, Erica is .42, Michael is .37. We are very happy.
Thank you for your wonderful help when we initially discovered Angus'
problem.
Regards, Margaret
One of our readers sent in the following in response to the article
"Recent Regulatory Activity on Lead" in LEAD Action News Vol 2 No 1 Summer 1994.
The following Policy statement is the only evidence we've tracked down that shows heavy
metals in packaging is a concern in Australia.
Colgate-Palmolive Australia
Policy Statement June 1993
Heavy metals elimination
We will eliminate from our packaging those heavy metals in printing
inks and colourants which may leave hazardous residues when incinerated or disposed of in
landfills.
Packaging
To reduce the impact of our product on the environment,
Colgate-Palmolive will work to improve the environmental compatibility of all our
packaging materials. At the same time, we will continue to ensure the safety and efficacy
of our products and packaging. In taking these steps we endorse the world-wide hierarchy
of solid waste management, source reduction, recycling (including re-use), incineration
and landfill.
Recycling
We will continue to use recycled and recyclable materials in our
packaging, whenever practicable.
Letter from an inner Sydney Council - Excerpts
The NSW Department of Health have recently carried out tests.
Children were randomly selected from parents on the electoral rolls, the participation of
families approached was about 85%. The study involves the testing of 750 children from all
Council areas in the central and southern region but not necessarily all suburbs.
If after blood tests have been taken a child is found to have a high
lead level then an environmental study is done of that child's home and also an
environmental study of the premises of a nearby child who had a low lead level reading so
as a comparative assessment can be done.
The study was due to be completed in March and the report is expected
in June 1994. No information will be given out until the report is completed and published
and at that time Council will be able to request a status of contamination assessment for
the Council area.
Editors note: we're still waiting for the study to be published.§
