Abstract of a speech by Jason Bawden-Smith, Santo Cannata and Mark Bek, Public Health Unit for Central and Southern Sydney, NSW

An 18 month old aboriginal child presented to a local GP with an acute viral illness. The doctor noted a pale appearance in the child and determined a history of pica behaviour. The patient was also found to be residing in an old inner city dwelling with flaking paint. Results of a full blood count and blood lead assay revealed the child had severe iron deficiency, anaemia and a blood lead level (Bpb) of 2.17 µmol/L. The patient was admitted to the Royal Alexandria Hospital for Children (Sydney) soon after.

A detailed environmental lead assessment and interview with guardians revealed that the child had eaten flaking high lead-based paints from the hallway and bedroom. Soil lead levels in the child's play areas were also high. The patient was visiting relatives in public housing over the Christmas period.