Port Pirie Lead Implementation Program children's blood lead results

2023 Port Pirie Blood Lead Analysis

The 2023 annual report (PDF 333KB) shows mixed results for reported blood lead indicators compared to 2022.

There has been an improvement in the percentage of children who were tested at their second birthday with blood lead levels above five and equal to or above 10 micrograms per decilitre.

However, there has been a deterioration in results across other age groups compared to 2022, including an increase in the number of children with blood lead levels equal to or above 20 micrograms per decilitre, placing them at highest risk of health effects.

These results suggest possible stabilisation in population trends from deteriorations observed in 2020 and early 2021 but it is too early to predict when sustained improvements will resume. A gradual reduction in the exposure of children to lead is expected as a result of new sealing and greening projects as well as ongoing improvements in practices that reduce lead dust from smelter operations and legacy lead in the community.

Reporting methods for trends in children’s blood lead levels

Frequently asked questions: Testing and reporting Port Pirie children’s blood lead levels (PDF 477KB) provides more information about SA Health’s reporting methods for trends in Port Pirie children’s blood lead levels, what is reported and why. This information applies to reports published after 1 July 2021.

Historical children's blood lead reports

Due to the Targeted Lead Abatement Program Review, historical reports cannot be compared to the current annual reporting requirements.

The Port Pirie Lead Implementation Program and its operations has always aligned to the NHMRC guidelines and children’s blood lead levels are reported against the specified measures.

Reporting of blood lead levels of children aged under 5 years living in Port Pirie for:

See the FAQs (PDF 477KB) for more information on what we report on and why.

Requesting copies of historical children’s blood lead reports

Please email Health.ScientificServices@sa.gov.au to request historical reports and for information about historical reporting methods for trends in Port Pirie children’s blood lead levels.

Further information

For further information on lead, including the Lead Implementation Program contact SA Health's Scientific Services on (08) 8226 7100.

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Last updated: 04 Mar 2024