Editorial

In the previous LAN we discussed the more stringent standards for blood lead levels in the US. In this LAN we put forward similar proposals for Australia, in the hope that the NHMRMC will act to develop a robust policy which requires health departments and other regulatory bodies to act to prevent lead poisoning, through education, blood lead testing, and licensing of lead abatement contractors, such as ceiling dust removalists. We recommend a national lead policy along the lines of ACTU proposals on asbestos.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) accepts that every dollar spent on lead poisoning prevention has a benefit of between US $17 and $220.

Doctor education on lead poisoning in Australia is totally neglected, with no attempt by NHMRC to actively educate doctors since 1994. ‘Lead poisoning doesn’t happen anymore’ was the response of the doctor in the Queenslander Renovation Case Study. This is because doctors in Australia don’t know enough to figure out which of their patients should be blood lead tested. NHMRC should require that labs forward all blood lead results to the federal health department for collation, analysis and reporting back to health professionals.

This edition also contains an update on The LEAD Group’s actions to eliminate leaded petrol globally, and a warning to those who drink rainwater or bore water to have the water tested for lead.