Lead exposure from workplaces
People may be exposed to lead when they work in professions such as:
- radiator repair
- car battery manufacturing and recycling
- lead-lighting and making stained glass
- firing and glazing pottery
- soldering e.g. electronics
- casting fishing sinkers or ammunition
- painters and carpenters working with historic lead-based paint on buildings, vehicles, boats
- ship builders
- shooting ranges and other occupations using firearms
- lead mining and smelting
- artistic painting using oil paints
Working in a lead-related industry can also put your family at risk of lead exposure. Lead-contaminated dust from your workplace can attach to your clothes, shoes, hair, skin, work gear and other personal items, which can readily transfer into your vehicle and onto surfaces in your home. This transfer is known as take-home lead.
It is important you take precautions to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of take-home lead (PDF 197KB), for more information see the infographic take-home lead: minimise your family’s risk (PDF 636KB).
Other resources
Further information
For further information on the risk of lead exposure from workplaces, contact SA Health's Scientific Services (08) 8226 7100.