Toxic air pollution poisons children's blood with lead

What the research found

Australian health guidance says air can be polluted with lead from copper and lead smelters. Battery works, steel production and soldering can add small amounts. Leaded petrol was phased out in Australia in early 2002, and a 2023 modelling study notes blood lead levels have fallen substantially since leaded petrol was phased out worldwide.

Guidance says children are most often exposed by swallowing items or soil containing lead, or breathing in lead-containing dust. Common sources include old lead paint, renovation dust, contaminated soil and some older pipes. Roadside soil may still hold lead from past petrol fumes.

Home dust is a real pathway in lead-mining areas. A trial-based study in Broken Hill, a lead mining town, found home remediation cut indoor lead dust by about 50%. A 2002 review of four trials of low-cost dust controls found no significant difference in children's blood lead, so the benefit is uncertain.

What it doesn’t mean

• This does not mean lead is harmless. Lead can impair intellectual development and damage the brain if levels are high enough, and children under five are at greatest risk.
• Risk depends on where you live and what is around you, such as old paint, renovations, mining or industry nearby, and a parent's work or hobbies. Typical city air pollution is a different question from lead.
• If you are worried about lead exposure, see your GP or child health nurse about a blood test. Pregnant women should also minimise their exposure.