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
  • demolition workers.

Those who work with lead or have a lead related hobby can put their families at risk of 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.

Some lead-related work can also put neighbouring properties at risk of exposure. It’s essential to prevent the spread of airborne dust and fumes when working with buildings, materials, paint and soil containing lead.

It is important to take precautions to protect you and your family from the dangers of take-home lead (PDF 212KB), for more information see the infographic take-home lead: minimise your family’s risk (PDF 636KB). It’s also important to protect your neighbours from lead exposure. For more information, see the infographic be lead aware: minimise everyone’s risk (PDF 83KB).

Other resources

Further information

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