Lead exposure: factsheets outline risks and tips for staying safe

South Western Sydney Local Health District has provided the following information sheets about exposure to lead.

Key messages about lead exposure include:

• children and adults can be exposed to lead in number of ways including by breathing fumes or dust, or by eating or drinking something contaminated with lead
• lead exposure at low levels can affect physical and mental development in children. In adults, it can cause high blood pressure and affect kidney and brain function
• at high levels, lead exposure can cause seizures, coma and death
• minimise lead exposure at home by regularly cleaning your house, washing your hands, and keeping children and pregnant women away when renovating
• minimise lead exposure in the workplace by using personal protective equipment and washing your hands
• report suspected lead exposure to the South Western Sydney Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055