Paint containing lead was used in many Australian houses. Houses built before 1970 are most at risk, but those built more recently may also have paint containing lead in some areas. Exposure to lead is a health hazard. Even small amounts of dust or chips of paint containing lead, generated during minor home repairs, can be a health risk.
Anyone painting a house or doing maintenance that could disturb paint containing lead should avoid exposing themselves and their families, neighbours and pets to its hazards.Ask your doctor for a blood test if you think you or your family have been exposed to lead. It will help you make a decision about what type of action you may need to take to protect your own, and your family’s health. Paints containing as much as 50% lead were used on the inside and outside of houses built before 1950. Until the late 1960s paint with more than 1% lead was still being used. As a rule of thumb, the lead content of paint was limited to 1% by 1970. However, houses built after 1970 might still contain paint with more than 1% lead, particularly if old paint, industrial paints, or marine paints have been used.
