Lead exposure
You do not need lead for your body to function.
Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal often used in industry. It can be spread through contamination of water, dust, soil and some paints and can be toxic to your health.
Lead was used extensively in the past, but its use has been reduced and regulated.
Where lead is found
Lead can be in:
- paint
- dust
- soil
- water
- fumes.
Paint
Lead-based household paints were used before 1970 in Australia. Lead concentrations of up to 0.5% could be found in paint up to 1991.
If your house was painted with lead-based paint, the National Health and Medical Research has advice on detecting lead in the home and what you should do.
The Australian Government Department of Environment also has a six-step guide to painting homes with lead-based paint.
For advice on removal and disposal of dry lead paint, call the Environmental Protection Agency through Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
Dust
Household dust may contain lead particles from deteriorating lead-based paint, contaminated soil, or dust brought into the house on the feet of people and pets. Workers in the lead industry may also carry lead dust home on their clothes or tools.
Soil
Dirt can become contaminated with lead by deteriorating or disturbed lead-based paint and previous industries such as mining.
Water
Some older household pipes were soldered with lead. Rainwater from water tanks may have increased lead levels if lead-containing dust has contaminated the roof, guttering, or lead leached from the roof and pipes.
Fumes
Fumes may be released when heat guns or soldering irons heat a surface containing lead.
Other activities that may also cause exposure to lead through working with lead or lead-based paint include making:
- leadlight windows
- glazed pottery
- stained glass
- fishing sinkers.
How lead enters your body
Lead can enter your body through:
- breathing in small lead particles
- swallowing dust, soil or paint chips containing lead.
Once lead particles are swallowed or inhaled, the amount of lead that gets into your blood depends on your age, when you last ate and how well the particles dissolve in the stomach or lungs.
Only a small amount of lead can be absorbed into your bloodstream through the skin.
After lead enters your body
Lead travels through the bloodstream to soft tissues and organs such as your liver, kidneys, brain, muscles and heart.
The lead can be either stored or excreted into your urine and faeces. The time it takes for most of the lead to be excreted depends on your exposure time. The amount of lead measured in your blood is the best indicator of recent exposure.
If you are exposed to lead
You should:
- call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (24 hours a day) if you suspect poisoning
- contact your doctor if you suspect lead exposure or poisoning.
You should have your blood level tested if you suspect:
- you have swallowed or inhaled lead from a particular source other than small amounts in everyday environments
- if someone in your household has a blood test that showed a level greater than 5 micrograms per decilitre
- if there are unexplained health problems that could be due to lead exposure.
If your blood lead level exceeds 5 micrograms per decilitre, the source of the exposure should be investigated and reduced, especially when infants, children and pregnant women are at risk.
Health effects of lead
Infants, children and pregnant women are at the greatest risk of harm from lead.
Potential symptoms or effects depend on:
- your age
- the amount of lead
- the length of exposure
- other health conditions.
Adults and lead
Long-term exposure to lead may result in:
- weakness in fingers, wrists and ankles
- headaches
- fatigue
- small blood pressure increase
- anaemia (low iron)
- damaged nerve and renal function.
High levels of lead can severely damage brain and kidney function.
Children and lead
Children under 5 years are most sensitive to the effects of lead because their nervous systems are developing. Their bodies absorb more ingested lead than adults.
They are at greater risk because they may put their hands or other objects containing lead, like toys, into their mouths. They also spend more time in areas that can be easily contaminated, such as floors or soil.
Pregnant people can also pass lead they have absorbed to the baby through the placenta.
Lead exposure in children can affect:
- behaviour and attention
- learning difficulties and cognition
- physical growth
- blood cell development
- kidney function.
Reducing the risk of lead exposure
Around the house
Safely remove lead-based paint or recoat with new lead-free paint.
Keep pregnant women and children away from demolitions and renovations, especially if the house was built before 1970.
Reduce exposure to dust and fumes by following the correct techniques for stripping lead-painted surfaces and make sure debris are not burned, but disposed of safely.
Frequently wash children's hands. Move children's play areas away from bare soil, and try to keep your child out of the dirt.
Regularly wash family pets and toys and remove any recalled imported toys.
Vacuum carpets, furnishing and furniture using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a high-efficiency particular air filter (HEPA filter) and dispose of the dust in a sealed rubbish bun.
Dust regularly using a damp cloth and wet mop.
Workplaces
Some jobs involve working with lead, such as lead mining, smelting, battery recycling, which may place workers at greater risk of lead exposure.
Reduce possible exposure by showering, changing clothes and washing private vehicles before leaving work.
If you are concerned about lead or lead exposure in your workplace, contact Worksafe ACT on 13 22 81, or report a workplace concern or issue online.
Food
Encourage children to eat in highchairs or at tables and throw out food dropped on the floor.
If rainwater could contain lead dust it should not be used for cooking, food preparation or drinking, including making up baby formula or cordial.
Make sure children eat a healthy balanced diet with enough calcium, iron and vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Good nutrition with frequent meals and snacks lowers the amount of swallowed lead absorbed and may reduce some toxic health effects.
More information
Go to the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website for more information about lead.