Lead exposure and poisoning

7-minute read

Key facts

In the past, lead was used in many products, such as paint and petrol.
Lead is a poison, and there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Lead exposure happens when lead enters your body through breathing in or swallowing contaminated materials.
The risk of lead poisoning is highest for unborn babies, infants and children.
You should try to minimise your exposure to lead.

What is lead?

Lead is a type of metal that occurs naturally. In the past, lead was used in many products, such as paint and petrol.

What is lead exposure and poisoning?

You can be exposed to lead when it's released into the air as dust or through food and water. Lead is not broken down by your body. Lead exposure can harm you.

Babies and young children are at greater risk of lead exposure. This is because they play on the floor and put things in their mouths.

There is no safe level of lead exposure for anyone, but the risk of lead poisoning is highest for:

unborn babies
infants
children

Lead poisoning is caused by very high levels of lead in your blood.

What are the symptoms of lead exposure and poisoning?

Symptoms of lead exposure can be difficult to recognise. The effects of lead exposure can depend on:

your age
how much lead you are exposed to and for how long
your general health

Lead can affect almost every organ in your body. Some symptoms associated with lead exposure are:

abdominal (tummy) pain
constipation
headache
fatigue (tiredness)
restless arms and legs
muscle and joint pain
sleep problems

Lead exposure can also cause anaemia.

Effects of lead exposure in children

Lead exposure in children can lead to:

reduced intelligence (IQ)
hearing problems
decreased growth

If you're pregnant, lead can cross to your unborn baby through the placenta.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes lead exposure and poisoning?

Lead can enter your body mainly through breathing in or swallowing materials contaminated with lead.

In Australia, lead can be found in many things, such as:

house paints used in homes built before 1970
imported toys and cosmetics
herbal medicines, including traditional Chinese and Indian medicines
fishing weights
materials used in some hobbies — such as lead lighting, pottery glazes and shooting
plumbing products that can contaminate water

The use of lead in things such as toys and cosmetics is now restricted in Australia.

It is possible to be exposed to lead in your workplace, for example if you work with batteries or use lead-based spray paint.

Where might I be exposed to lead?

There are 3 cities in Australia where lead is mined, with significant implications for the people living there:

Broken Hill
Mount Isa
Port Pirie

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have concerns that you or your family have been exposed to lead.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is lead poisoning diagnosed?

Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and ask about your medical history. They will also examine you.

They will arrange for you to have a blood test.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How is lead poisoning treated?

If the level of lead in your blood is over 5μg/dL the source of lead exposure needs to be investigated.

Your doctor may want to test the blood lead levels of other members of your household. This is because they may have been exposed to the same lead source.

If your blood tests show that you have a very high blood lead level, your doctor may recommend chelation therapy. These medicines attach to lead in your blood, so your kidneys can remove it from your body.

What are the complications of lead poisoning?

In severe cases, lead poisoning can cause:

seizures
coma
death

Can lead poisoning be prevented?

Lead poisoning can be prevented by identifying potential sources of lead and removing them.

You can:

dust and mop regularly with a damp cloth to remove lead-containing dust
limit your use of lead-based products
research imported cosmetics and toys before buying them

If you live in an older home, you can:

test for lead in the paint — if needed, you can have the paint removed by a professional
have your water tested for lead if your pipes and plumbing are old

You can also include iron, calcium and vitamin C in your diet to reduce lead absorption.

Resources and support

Learn more about protecting your child from lead poisoning.

The Poisons Information Centre has information on lead poisoning, and you can call the Poison Information Hotline on 13 11 26.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.