Lead Poisoning Awareness Week marks Centenary

Media release of: Deputy Premier, Minister for Health, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Dr Andrew Refshauge.

"The Carr Government is working to raise awareness of the threat lead poses to children.

"This is an important health message. Today marks the 100th anniversary of the recognition of the damaging effects of lead on children.

"On the 20th October 1897 a Brisbane doctor published the world's first medical article detailing childhood lead poisoning.

"To mark that anniversary, 1 am delighted to launch Australia's first Lead Poisoning Awareness Week.

"The most common cause of lead poisoning is the dust from old lead paint or ceiling dust disturbed during renovations of pre 1970 homes.

"It is children who are most at risk from lead which can cause damage to the brain, kidney, liver and nervous system.

"In an effort to protect children, the Carr Government funds the NSW Lead Advisory Service which receives more than 300 calls a month from people concerned about the effects of lead.

"I am delighted that the NSW Government has recognised the importance of the lead poisoning problem,' said Michelle Calvert of the Lead Advisory Service. "Parents of young children need to be aware of the issue, particularly when renovating.

"Elizabeth O'Brien, Co-ordinator of The LEAD Group, a non profit organisation dedicated to eliminating childhood lead poisoning said "The NSW Government is to be applauded for its initiative and efforts to deal with what is often referred to as the 'Silent Epidemic' of lead poisoning. It is estimated that 3.5. million homes in Australia were built prior to 1970 and therefore pose the threat of lead dust and paint and yet only the NSW Government is undertaking a major commitment to educating and protecting their residents