| Steady progress on Port Pirie blood-lead levels |
| 14/8/2009 | |
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Blood-lead levels in children in Port Pirie are continuing to fall, according to the latest SA Health report. Health Minister John Hill said that by June 2009, 67 percent of children under five in Port Pirie had a blood lead level below 10 micrograms per decilitre – an improvement of four percent since last year and 24 percent since 2005. “These figures show that together the community and the authorities are making steady progress in dealing with the long-term issue of blood-lead levels in children in Port Pirie. “Significantly, the percentage of children with blood-lead levels over 10 micrograms per decilitre – which is the World Health Organisation’s ‘level of concern’ - is at its lowest level since reporting began in the early 1980s. “The improvements can be attributed to a number of initiatives under tenby10 - a joint project between Nyrstar Ltd (the Port Pirie Smelter), the Port Pirie Regional Council and the State Government. “The tenby10 project has achieved these excellent results with site emission control measures, community education and environmental and awareness programs. “These wide-reaching community education and awareness programs have increased people’s understanding of lead dust in the environment and how to limit their children’s exposure to lead dust at home.” Nyrstar General Manager Matt Howell said, “Overall we are extremely pleased with how the tenby10 project is progressing, and are delighted that the project is supported by the entire Port Pirie community who are certainly playing a significant role in reducing children’s blood lead levels. “The latest blood lead results are extremely encouraging.” Mr Howell said.
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