Tapsearch Com EditorMt Isa children's lead levels remain high
October 9th 2008 05:20
MORE than half the Mount Isa children retested after last year being found to have dangerously high levels of lead in their blood still have heavy metal poisoning.
The failure of Queensland authorities to address the children's health problems emerged after the Bligh Government yesterday reversed its refusal last week to release updates on their condition because of crown law fears it would harm the defence in several law suits.
On Monday, The Australian revealed that the Queensland Government was refusing to detail the progress of 45 children -- out of 400 tested in a screening program in the central Queensland town -- who were found to have unsafe lead levels. The stance was taken despite earlier promises to keep the public informed.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson yesterday told state parliament he had overridden legal advice to release figures showing that 12 of 22 children retested this year still had lead levels exceeding World Health Organisation guidelines.
Mr Robertson said the remaining 23 had not returned for testing.
Studies in Australia and the US have linked blood levels of more than 10 micrograms of lead per decilitre to intellectual and behavioural difficulties in children.
Mr Roberston yesterday acknowledged in parliament that the Government had pledged to keep people informed.
"However, there is also legal action current and care has to be taken to ensure it is not compromised in any way," he said.
"Initial advice cautioned against the release of the retesting figures, but after careful consideration and seeking further advice overnight, this Government has decided to release these figures today."
Two families in Mount Isa are seeking damages from the mine's owner, Swiss mining giant Xstrata, Mount Isa Mines and the Environmental Protection Agency over elevated lead levels in their children.
Brisbane solicitor Damian Scattini, of law firm Slater & Gordon, said the latest tests showed that the Government's awareness program was not enough.
"Anyone who knows about the hazards of lead knows that the only strategy that has ever worked anywhere in the world is to fix the source of pollution before the child is poisoned," Mr Scattini said. "Yet the Government wants to rely only on passing out a few brochures and telling the mums to buy a mop bucket.
"Screening and follow-up testing are an important part of lead-poisoning prevention programs, but on their own they do nothing to prevent even one child from being poisoned."
On Friday, Queensland Health confirmed that five of 36 new children tested since June had dangerously high lead levels.
Michael McKenna | October 08, 2008
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