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The City of Whyalla is helping raise public awareness on the dangers of lead paint in our community.
Council is supporting a SA Health campaign being run this week as part of International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action from October 21-27.
The popularity of do-it-yourself (DIY) renovations in older houses is increasing the public health risk of exposure to lead when people remove the old lead-based paint. There is no safe level of lead exposure and the risk of major detrimental health effects, particularly involving the brain and nervous system, is highest for unborn babies, infants and children.
A spokesperson from SA Health explained that paint containing lead was used extensively prior to the mid 1970s and are likely to be many South Australian homes that still contain lead paint or lead paint dust and flakes in ceiling spaces, wall cavities, under floors, in carpets and in yard soil.
“Lead paint becomes a significant health hazard when it deteriorates or is damaged or disturbed,” the spokesperson said.
“Lead is readily inhaled and swallowed then absorbed to circulate in the bloodstream where it can damage organs and be stored in teeth and bones and re-released for many years.”
The effects of very high blood lead levels can include stomach pain, convulsions and even death.
“It is important for people to be aware of the likelihood of lead paint being present, and then plan, prepare and take safety precautions when renovating, restoring or repainting or they could be putting their health and the health of their family at risk,” the spokesperson said.
More information on the dangers of lead in paint can be found at https://bit.ly/2SaSUcb