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).

Other resources

Further information

For further information on the risk of lead exposure from workplaces, contact SA Health's Scientific Services (08) 8226 7100.