Hunter New England Health has described as reassuring, the results of blood lead tests carried out mostly on children, from Lake Macquarie.
In the past three weeks, 73 children and eight pregnant women from the suburbs of Boolooroo, Argenton and Speers Point have been screened. The tests were in response to concerns over blood lead levels in the area. Boolooroo was the site of the former Pasminco smelter which closed in 2003.
The National Health and Medical Research Council considers a blood lead level of 10 μg/dl or greater as cause for concern , and that at 5 μg/dl or greater, the source of lead exposure should be investigated.
“The levels returned by the 81 children and pregnant women screened were all below 5 μg/dl. In line with the NHMRC Position Statement on Lead and the screening protocols endorsed by the NSW Chief Health Officer’s Lead Reference Group, clinical follow up is not required for any of those screened over the past three weeks,” said HNH Public Health Physician Dr Craig Dalton.
“A similar number of children were screened through this most recent program to those in the past and, with no participants’ blood lead levels above 5μg/dl being recorded in the current program, previous declines in blood lead levels have been sustained,” he said.
The data will be reviewed by the New South Wales Chief Health Officer’s lead Reference Group.
“Lead can cause long-term health impacts, especially for young children and unborn babies, leading to learning and attention problems, hearing loss, slowed growth and behavioural problems,” said Dr Dalton.
“While these results are reassuring, I’d encourage any families who have concerns about possible lead exposure in north Lake Macquarie to have their children tested. There will be a monthly clinic at Pathology North Warners Bay for finger prick testing or you can visit your GP who can conduct routine venous lead screening. You can also contact the Hunter New England Health Population Health Unit for advice,” he said.
Dr Dalton says the biggest risk for lead exposure to children aged under 5 since the smelter closed has been lead paint either peeling or from renovation to houses.
