Dr & Mrs N D Barrett
Maroubra NSW 18th July 1994

Dear Elizabeth

We are going to live in Brazil for a few years! Before we go I can report more good news. In the 6 months we've lived in Maroubra Angus' lead level has halved!!! He is .56, Erica is .42, Michael is .37. We are very happy.

Thank you for your wonderful help when we initially discovered Angus' problem.

Regards, Margaret

One of our readers sent in the following in response to the article "Recent Regulatory Activity on Lead" in LEAD Action News Vol 2 No 1 Summer 1994. The following Policy statement is the only evidence we've tracked down that shows heavy metals in packaging is a concern in Australia.

Colgate-Palmolive Australia

Policy Statement June 1993

Heavy metals elimination

We will eliminate from our packaging those heavy metals in printing inks and colourants which may leave hazardous residues when incinerated or disposed of in landfills.

Packaging

To reduce the impact of our product on the environment, Colgate-Palmolive will work to improve the environmental compatibility of all our packaging materials. At the same time, we will continue to ensure the safety and efficacy of our products and packaging. In taking these steps we endorse the world-wide hierarchy of solid waste management, source reduction, recycling (including re-use), incineration and landfill.

Recycling

We will continue to use recycled and recyclable materials in our packaging, whenever practicable.

The NSW Department of Health have recently carried out tests. Children were randomly selected from parents on the electoral rolls, the participation of families approached was about 85%. The study involves the testing of 750 children from all Council areas in the central and southern region but not necessarily all suburbs.

If after blood tests have been taken a child is found to have a high lead level then an environmental study is done of that child's home and also an environmental study of the premises of a nearby child who had a low lead level reading so as a comparative assessment can be done.

The study was due to be completed in March and the report is expected in June 1994. No information will be given out until the report is completed and published and at that time Council will be able to request a status of contamination assessment for the Council area.