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Case study - child lead poisoned
by ceiling dust
The following case study is
reprinted from the WEEKLY SOUTHERN COURIER
Tuesday, October 3, 1995. Story: Susan Mooney
A two-year-old Mascot boy has
recorded a blood-lead level three times higher than the approved safe limit. The shock
reading was taken during renovations to his family home, which included the removal of the
ceilings.
Rosemary Ayoub and her son Jack were
tested two weeks ago.The blood test confirmed her worst suspicions – Jack’s lead
levels were dangerously high: at 30 micrograms per decilitre, three times the recommended
safe level.
According to Australia’s
national lead watchdog, The Lead Group, high concentrations of lead in children can lead
to impaired brain function, kidney damage, problems with calcium absorption and
generalised cell damage.
Mrs Ayoub knew most old paints
contained lead and had been careful to remove any flakes. She also knew about lead in soil
and had that tested. But she was unaware lead could be present in dust. The Lead Group
told Mrs Ayoub the dislodged lead dust in the ceiling had been the source of Jack’s
poisoning.
Since the diagnosis the Ayoub
family’s life has been turned upside down. Jack cannot live in the home until all
traces of lead are removed. He has moved to his grandmother’s home and only sees his
father every third day. Meanwhile, his father has put his daytime job on hold and is
working 12 hours a day to complete the renovations. Once they’re finished the Ayoubs
must decontaminate the whole house by washing every surface with sugar soap to remove all
traces of lead dust and thoroughly clean sheets, towels, clothes and floor coverings.
A teacher, Mrs Ayoub said:
"I’ve tried to give him such a good upbringing – healthy food, keeping him
active. "I thank God that something made me test Jack. If we had stayed living there
for even a few months longer I hate to think what [his reading] would’ve been."
For information about lead poisoning
contact The LEAD Group on 02 9716 0132.
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