Translate
Rocherlea Industrial Area lead exposure event - Frequently Asked Questions
More information on lead in environmental dust
Lead is a naturally occurring metal used in industry and manufacturing. It does not break down in the environment and can stay in dust and soil for years. It may stay on surfaces until it is removed by cleaning.
Lead can be harmful when it is swallowed or breathed into the body in materials such as dust. Once lead is absorbed into the body, it circulates in the blood and can be stored in the bones.
Health effects from exposure to lead depend on:
- a person’s age
- how much lead they are exposed to and for how long
- if they have other health conditions.
The greatest concern from lead exposure is harm to the brain, particularly the growing brain of unborn and young children. Women should lower their exposure to lead before and during pregnancy, and when breastfeeding. In older people, build-up of lead can cause various symptoms affecting the brain, nervous system and mental health.
Exposure to lead is most common in industrial workplaces. Higher-risk workplaces must manage the health and environmental risks of lead in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2012.
This means following safety regulations at work such as:
- using personal protective equipment (PPE)
- washing exposed skin and clothes
- may include blood lead monitoring.
Exposure can also happen in some home environments. This can be from lead paint, which was used in many Australian homes before 1970, and in old pipes and fittings. Exposure can also happen through hobbies that involve lead such as making fishing sinkers or from “do it yourself” (DIY) home renovations.
Lowering your exposure to lead is important as it can build up in your body over time and harm your health.
There are some things you can do to reduce exposure to lead:
- if it is dusty outside, try to keep dust out by closing windows and doors
- if your home or workplace gets dusty, regularly clean floors, ledges, windowsills, and other flat surfaces, with a damp mop or damp rag
- wash and dry your hands before eating or preparing food
- if you smoke or vape, wash and dry your hands first
- try to keep unwashed hands away from your mouth
- make sure children cannot get at peeling paint or chewable surfaces or objects that could have lead-based paint, such as old toys or furniture or old painted house fittings.
These actions are particularly important if you are pregnant, and for young children.
A fact sheet with information about how to minimise your exposure to lead while cleaning your home is available to download from the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has tested dust samples from outside surfaces in properties along and near George Town Road, northwest of Lilydale Road.
The testing has found lead in these dust samples and the EPA has shared these results with PHS.
There is a risk that people may be exposed to lead in dust in and near the industrial area in Rocherlea.
PHS is working with the EPA to do more testing, to work out how far the contamination has spread from the industrial area.
There will be more tests on soil and dust in the industrial area and in residential and recreational areas in Rocherlea and nearby.
PHS will keep the local and Tasmanian community informed of the testing, and what it means for them.
PHS and the EPA are visiting businesses and other premises in the industrial area to explain the situation. They will be able to answer questions and provide advice about how to safely reduce exposure to dust, and how to get a blood test to check for high lead levels in the blood.
Any business seeking business or financial planning advice can contact Business Tasmania on 1800 440 026.
Specific information about workplace Health and Safety Requirements can be obtained on the WorkSafe Tasmania website.
Testing so far in the environment has been in and near the industrial area along George Town Road, northwest of Lilydale Road in Rocherlea.
Usually, environmental contamination reduces as you get further away from industrial areas. More testing is being done to make sure there is no further risk to the community’s health.
Wherever you live it is best to minimise your exposure to lead, using the simple steps described above.
Some simple steps can help keep your home harvest safe.
- Peel root crops like potatoes and carrots.
- Wash home grown vegetables and fruit well under running water. Throw out older and dirty outer leaves of salad vegetables.
- Add mulch to your soil to keep the water in and the dust out.
PHS is working closely with the Department of Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) who have undertaken thorough cleaning as a precaution.
Testing to date has indicated no reason for concern, with further testing ongoing.
PHS is working with the Village on cleaning as a precaution.
Testing to date has indicated no reason for concern, with further testing ongoing.
Aldersgate Village is outside the Rocherlea industrial area.
Blood Lead Testing for people in the Rocherlea Industrial area
Environmental testing in properties along George Town Road northwest of Lilydale Road in Rocherlea has found lead in dust on surfaces. While there is no evidence of harm to the community, Public Health Services (PHS) is making blood lead testing available to:
- people who have lived or worked in the Rocherlea industrial area north of George Town Road between the East Tamar Highway and Lilydale Road in the last 12 months
- residents of Newnham who live on Hardinge Avenue or Lilydale Road (between George Town Road and Archer Street).
The test is not urgent. If you are getting a blood test it can be done in the coming weeks.
People who live, work or visit the suburbs of Rocherlea, Newnham and Mayfield, but not the areas listed above are not currently encouraged to get tested. If you are concerned, please discuss with your usual GP.
If you are in the groups encouraged to get a blood lead test, you can arrange a blood lead test through your usual doctor, or you can register for a blood test by completing the online form.
The online form will ask if you would like to have a blood test form emailed to you, or if you would like to attend a lead testing clinic at Mowbray Medical Centre on 14 February or 21 February. Only people in the groups listed in the “Do I need to get tested?” section should fill in the online form.
If you have not lived or worked at the above locations in the last 12 months you are not currently being encouraged to get tested.
People who do not live or work in the areas in the “Do I need to get tested?” list are not currently encouraged to get tested but may seek advice from their usual GP.
Testing is available to children of all ages but babies under six months of age do not need to be tested.
You may take the blood test form that you have been emailed to any usual pathology service without a booking.
Locations for Launceston Pathology
If the blood test is for a child under 12 years old, please phone the pathology service in advance and book an appointment.
- Launceston Pathology 6334 3636
- TML Pathology 6711 2000
If you are in the groups in the Do I need to get tested? list you do not have to pay for the blood test. If you get tested through your GP there may be a fee for the appointment.
Please read the “Where do I go to get a blood test and do I need to book?” section above.
Make a booking if the blood test is for a child under 12 years old.
Bring the Medicare card of the person being tested to the blood test.
There is no special preparation for a blood lead test. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
Results will usually be available within seven working days.
If your blood test request was emailed to you by Public Health Services:
if your blood lead levels are normal, you will get a text message with your results
if your blood lead levels are elevated, we will call to talk with you
your results will also be sent to your GP.
If your test was requested by your usual GP, they will give you your results.
All test results for people aged under 18 years will be provided by a phone call. Results will also be sent to their usual GP.
If your lead levels are elevated, a clinician from Public Health Services will call you with advice and will involve your GP in your follow-up.
Further information is available from your local health care provider, or by contacting the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
If your situation is causing you concern, you can contact A Tasmanian Lifeline on 1800 98 44 34 or visit their website.
