The issue in brief

The Port Pirie Smelter has a 120 year-plus history of producing and exporting lead as well as zinc, silver, gold and copper. It is the largest primary lead smelter in the world. As part of the production process, fine particles of lead dust can be created that, if transported off site by emissions, wind or people and vehicle traffic, can negatively affect the health of the local community.

Lead can enter the body through ingestion (such as eating or swallowing contaminated food or water) or inhalation (breathing in) of lead particles. Children under 5 and people who work in lead-related industries are most at risk of high blood lead levels. High blood lead levels are unhealthy for everyone, however, it is young children who are most vulnerable to the effects blood lead can have.