NSW Health Ignores Lead Risk Advice

NSW Health has faced criticism for resisting government advice to strengthen protections for children exposed to lead in Broken Hill. Internal documents revealed that lower blood lead levels than currently recognized can harm developing brains. Despite recommendations to lower the investigation threshold from 5μg/dL to 3.5μg/dL, aligning with international standards, NSW Health pushed back, citing issues with isolated area changes and potential privacy consequences.

The Greens MP Cate Faehrmann described the situation as a "national disgrace," condemning the "pathetic" level of funding for lead contamination response. Documents indicate that even at 3.5μg/dL, adverse effects such as learning disabilities and behavioral problems are associated with lead exposure. Concerns have been longstanding, with experts noting decades of revisiting issues without adequate action, and lead-rich dust from mining operations identified as a primary cause of exposure.

Despite NSW Health's commitment to offering free blood lead screening and working to strengthen prevention programs, critics argue that the government must urgently provide funding for housing upgrades and health support, alongside stricter lead pollution standards for mines. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is reviewing evidence on blood lead levels, but Australia's context will be considered, and guidelines are not automatically adopted from other countries.