Managing environmental lead in Broken Hill: a public health success
Frances Boreland A C , Margaret S. Lesjak A and David M. Lyle BA Broken Hill Centre for Remote Health Research, joint initiative of the University of Sydney and Greater Western Area Health Service
B Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health, University of Sydney
C Corresponding author. Email: fboreland@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au
NSW Public Health Bulletin 19(10) 174-179 https://doi.org/10.1071/NB07099
Published: 21 November 2008
Abstract
Objectives: To describe locality-specific changes in blood lead levels of 1–4-year-old children in Broken Hill, NSW between 1991 and 2007. Methods: Annual age-sex standardised mean blood lead levels, blood lead screening clinic attendance rates and lead-dust levels for five lead-risk zones were calculated from routinely collected data. Results: Blood lead levels were similar in all localities in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006, after having been consistently higher in localities with highest environmental lead since 1991. Conclusions: Combining health promotion with a targeted clean-up has reduced the effect of locality on blood lead levels. Results are consistent with reduced contamination due to effective soil stabilisation and storm-water control.
Acknowledgments
The success of the Broken Hill Lead Management Program reflects the considerable efforts of its staff and community engagement to deal with the problem. Geoffrey Berry undertook analysis of the deposition dust gauge data. The Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
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