Lead exposure information for health professionals
Health professionals play a crucial role in managing lead exposure both for individuals and within the community. Understanding when to test for elevated blood lead levels and knowing the appropriate actions to take in managing these cases, are essential components of the public health response to lead exposure.
Identifying lead exposure sources
Identifying the sources of lead exposure is crucial for implementing effective measures to eliminate or reduce exposure, helping to protect people from the associated health effects.
Health professionals can use the Identifying and managing lead exposure sheet (PDF 132KB) to help identify potential exposure sources in patients with elevated blood lead levels.
If you need assistance in identifying the potential sources of lead exposure, you can email a copy of this Lead exposure management – request for assistance form (PDF 88KB) to the Chemical and Environmental Hazards team at Health.ChemicalAndEnvironmentalHazards@sa.gov.au or complete this Lead exposure management – iApply form. Alternatively, you can call the team on (08) 8226 7100.
Managing lead exposure
Health professionals should focus on early detection, thorough assessment, and timely intervention to effectively manage lead exposure in patients and reduce potential long-term health impacts.
Health professionals are encouraged to use the following resources to help with managing lead exposure in patients:
- The National Health and Medical Research Council - Managing individual exposure to lead in Australia – A guide for health practitioners.
- The World Health Organisation - Guideline for clinical management of exposure to lead.
Port Pirie
For information relating to lead exposure in Port Pirie, please visit the Lead in Port Pirie webpage.