State of the Environment

2006

Indicator: A-19 Concentration of lead in urban areas

Data

Average annual lead concentrations for capital cities 1981-2001

Average annual lead concentrations for capital cities 1981-2001

Source: State of the Air Report, Table 7.1 (p.113)

What the data mean

All capital cities show a significant decline in lead concentrations over the reporting period, 1981 to 2001. All capital cities are meeting the National Environment Protection Measure standard for annual average concentrations of lead.

Data Limitations

Comparisons of historical data sets across the nation are difficult due to lack of harmonisation in network designs, and in sampling, analysis, quality control and reporting practices. In addition, discontinuities and changes in data collection and reporting practices can distort trend analysis results.

Issues for which this is an indicator and why

Atmosphere — Air quality - Urban air quality 

Exposure to lead at high concentrations may have severe health effects particularly for children and an unborn child. Young children exposed to lead and lead compounds can experience a decrease in intelligence scores, learning difficulties, slow growth and defective hearing. Lead exposure during pregnancy can contribute to premature birth, low birth weight or miscarriage.

The immediate effects of exposure to lead can mean death of animals and death or low growth rate in plants. Especially in soft water, lead is highly poisonous to plants, birds and other animals. Long-term effects on animal life are shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility and changes in appearance or behaviour. Because lead does not break down and is highly persistent in water, it is expected that fish tissues will contain lead from polluted waters.

Prior to 2001, other than the major industrial sources such as manufacturing and lead-smelting facilities, motor vehicles using leaded petrol were the main sources of lead emissions to ambient air. Leaded petrol was phased out nationally on 1 January 2002. This has led to reductions in ambient lead levels. Atmospheric concentrations of lead are a direct indicator for this issue.

Other indicators for this issue:

Human Settlements — Liveability of human settlements - Air quality 

Exposure to lead at high concentrations may have severe health effects particularly for children and an unborn child. Young children exposed to lead and lead compounds can experience a decrease in intelligence scores, learning difficulties, slow growth and defective hearing. Lead exposure during pregnancy can contribute to premature birth, low birth weight or miscarriage.

The immediate effects of exposure to lead can mean death of animals, birds or fish and death or low growth rate in plants. Especially in soft water, lead is highly poisonous to plants, birds or land animals. Long-term effects on animal life are shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility and changes in appearance or behaviour. Because lead does not break down and is highly persistent in water, it is expected that fish tissues will contain lead from polluted waters.

Prior to 2001, other than the major industrial sources such as manufacturing and lead-smelting facilities, motor vehicles using leaded petrol were the main sources of lead emissions to ambient air. Leaded petrol was phased out nationally on 1 January 2002. This has led to reductions in ambient lead levels. Atmospheric concentrations of lead are a direct indicator for this issue.

Other indicators for this issue:

Further Information

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