Funded by: Department of Human Services Victoria
This study aimed to identify risk factors for inorganic lead absorption in children aged 2-5 years of age, who have a parent who works in the lead industry. This group was identified as a potential high risk group for lead absorption in the 1997 National Childhood Blood Lead Survey carried out by the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare.
Families were recruited from companies on the Victorian WorkCover Authority's list of scheduled lead processes and from leadlighting companies in the Yellow Pages. Neighourhood control families were also recruited. Data collection included blood samples, questionnaire and collection of environmental samples from the homes of participants. Questions were included on the parent's work hygiene practices.
A report was submitted to the funding body, the Victorian Department of Human Services, and a paper was published:
Chan J, Sim M, Golec R, Forbes A. Predictors of lead absorption in children of lead workers. Occ Enviro. Med. 2000;50(6):398-405.
