Indicator: A-26 Concentrations of lead in regional areas
Data
Annual mean lead concentrations for Port Pirie, South Australia
Source: SA Environment Protection Authority 2003, Annual mean lead concentrations in Port Pirie, South Australia (ug/m3), Government of South Australia, viewed 20 Dec 2005, www.environment.sa.gov.au/reporting/atmosphere/pdfs/port_pirie.pdf.
What the data mean
National regional data was not available for lead concentrations. Previously Mount Isa, Queensland was known to exceed the National Environment Protection Measure standard. However, data could not be obtained for Mount Isa. Data was obtained for Port Pirie, South Australia, where monitoring is undertaken at four locations. Of these, two (Oliver Street and Senator Road) currently meet the standard and The Terrace is slightly above the standard. However, Ellen Street continues to exceed the standard by a substantial amount. Ellen Street is situated on the boundary of the lead smelter.
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 - Regional 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 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:
- A-24 Concentrations of carbon monoxide in regional areas
- A-25 Concentrations of ozone in regional areas
- A-27 Concentration of nitrogen dioxide in regional areas
- A-28 Concentrations of sulphur dioxide in regional areas
- A-29 Concentrations of Particles PM10 and PM2.5 in regional areas
- A-30 Concentration of benzene in regional areas
- LD-26 Dust storm index
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:
- A-17 Concentrations of carbon monoxide in urban areas
- A-18 Concentrations of ozone in urban areas
- A-19 Concentration of lead in urban areas
- A-20 Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in urban areas
- A-21 Concentration of sulphur dioxide in urban areas
- A-22 Concentration of Particles PM10 and PM2.5 in urban areas
- A-23 Concentration of benzene in urban areas
- A-24 Concentrations of carbon monoxide in regional areas
- A-25 Concentrations of ozone in regional areas
- A-27 Concentration of nitrogen dioxide in regional areas
- A-28 Concentrations of sulphur dioxide in regional areas
- A-29 Concentrations of Particles PM10 and PM2.5 in regional areas
- A-30 Concentration of benzene in regional areas
- CO-70 Examples or case studies of localised impacts of windborne dust and smoke
Further Information
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