LEAD Action News vol. 22 no. 1, April 2024. ISSN 1324-6012. © The LEAD Group Inc.
The newsletter of The LEAD (Lead Education and Abatement Design) Group Inc.
PO Box 161 Summer Hill NSW 2130 Australia Ph: (02) 9716 0014
Web: www.lead.org.au; www.leadsafeworld.com; www.volcanoartprize.com
Editor-in-Chief, Assistant to the Lead Scientist and Web Administration: Lucinda Curran.
~~ Gra
m Led Wis ~~
A Message from Grandma Lead
Hi everyone!
It’s great to connect with you for our first LEAD Action News of 2024.
We certainly hit the ground running this year.
I visited Broken Hill (more on that next edition) to meet with Frances Boreland, Aaron Reuben, Semitj
Hopcraft, Jenny Rowbotham, Adam Forster, Chris Chindanya and Ghislaine “Gigi” Barbe, and to get a
first-hand look at what life is like in the lead-mining town.
We’ve made our LEAD Test Kits free to Indigenous households to ensure that the households in
lead-affected towns can be tested and to remove the financial barrier
(https://leadsafeworld.com/indigenouskits).
We’ve also been busy writing to government ministers to raise awareness, propose our involvement in
educational campaigns, and request funding to help cover our costs.
In this edition of LEAD Action News, we’re bringing a range of articles to you that address very real risks of
lead-exposure - from vaping, to lead-contaminated baby
foods recalled in the US, chocolate, industrial paints, and so
much more! Read on!
I’d love to hear your thoughts, so write back and let me
know.
Elizabeth O’Brien (aka Grandma Lead)
BSc (Syd), Grad Dip Health Education
Lead Scientist and Lead Advisor, The LEAD Group Inc.
Winner of the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) Award
for Outstanding Service to the Environment; and two times nominee
for Australian of the Year
Photo: #GrandmaLead and Grandson by Alex Jewson
VAP Entry https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-GL
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 1 of 44
What is in this “Grandma Lead Wisdom” LEAD Action News?
What is in this “Grandma Lead Wisdom” LEAD Action News? 2
Can You Help? 3
Volcano Art Prize - entries are open 5
Children - Time to Check Blood Lead Levels (BLLs) 7
Plumbophobia 10
US RECALL: Baby Food Pouches 11
Grandma Lead Wisdom 14
Introducing the Grandma Lead Advice Call! 15
Action on Leaded Aviation Fuel in the US… and Australia 16
Donate: Make a Meaningful Impact with Just $10! 17
Partnership with The LEAD Group 18
What Should I Test for Lead? 21
What Should You Do if Exposed to Lead? 22
The Perfect Predator 23
Vaping, Smoking, and Lead 24
Calling All Volunteers 25
2023 ILPPWA Lead Experts Q&A Panel 26
What do Beethoven and Lead Have in Common? 27
Share Your Feedback 28
Bowden Lead Mine Update 29
LEAPP Alliance UK 30
Lobbying Your Local Member of Parliament 34
Chocolate: Lead and Cadmium 35
Safe Management of Lead Paint 37
Industrial Lead Paint Management 39
Benefits of Joining 40
Quotable Quotes 41
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 2 of 44
Can You Help?
As a charity, grants make the difference between running on “the smell of an oily rag” with
skeleton staff to employing a team to create bigger change to prevent lead poisoning by
helping households all around our country.
We’d like to ask if you could help by writing to your local federal member of parliament (MP)?
We’ve drafted a letter where you can add your personal story - we recommend doing this so
that your MP sees the human part of the lead story.
You can download a copy of the letter here https://leadsafeworld.com/sampleMPletter,
personalise it and send it to your MP.
How do you work out who your MP is? Easy, click here (https://leadsafeworld.com/findmymp)
and type in your postcode.
Here’s the draft letter –
Dear [MP's Name],
I am writing to share my personal experience with lead exposure and to advocate for
continued funding for The LEAD Group Inc. charity.
[Insert personal story here regarding lead and initial contact with The LEAD Group Inc.
charity]
Ms. O’Brien, Lead Scientist and co-Founder of The LEAD Group, provided invaluable
assistance by [insert story]. Her expertise and support are unparalleled, and I can
attest to the importance of The LEAD Group's services in providing reliable information
and guidance on lead exposure and contamination prevention and management,
when I was unable to obtain this breadth of information from any other sources, let
alone from a single source.
Since its establishment in 1992, The LEAD Group has a long-standing history of
advocating for federal lead-safety policy and has had significant success in inspiring
national lead-safety initiatives such as the reductions in the government’s blood lead
action levels in 1993 and 2015, the doctor education program of 1994, lead paint
education campaign of the mid-late 1990s, the elimination of leaded petrol in 2002,
and of lead paint in 2021. However, I am concerned to learn that the organisation is
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 3 of 44
facing financial challenges and may run out of funds by the end of May 2024. I
understand that The LEAD Group has requested an ad hoc grant from the Treasurer to
achieve their goals of helping the federal government to finally create a national
lead-safety policy worthy of the world’s largest lead exporter and providing LEAD
Group Kits free to the most at-risk Australians (especially Indigenous families).
Without adequate funding, Ms. O’Brien and The LEAD Group may be unable to
continue their vital work in making the world lead-safe one family at a time. This could
have serious implications for individuals and families like mine who rely on their
guidance for testing and reducing lead exposure.
I recently discovered that The LEAD Group's third application in the past year for seed
funding to PM Anthony Albanese has not received any response. Therefore, I am
reaching out to seek your support in advocating for the $250,000 funding request for
The LEAD Group. This funding is essential to fund the involvement of Technical Advisory
Board Members of The LEAD Group in working with the government to develop a
National Lead Safety Policy and providing LEAD Group Kits to local professionals who
can assist the most vulnerable Australians, especially Indigenous communities.
I urge you to consider raising questions in Parliament and issuing a media release to
highlight the urgent need for funding for The LEAD Group. Your support in this matter
would be greatly appreciated and would help ensure the continuation of essential
services provided by The LEAD Group.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I have included contact details for
The LEAD Group at the end of this letter and am available to discuss any further details
at your convenience.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Details]
Contact The LEAD Group directly -
Ms Elizabeth O’Brien, Lead Scientist and Lead Advisor, The LEAD Group Inc.
(P) (02) 9716 0014 or (M) 0431 184 933
(E) info@lead.org.au
(W) www.LeadSafeWorld.com and www.Lead.org.au
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 4 of 44
Volcano Art Prize - entries are open
Each year during International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action, we announce the
winners of our art competition, the Volcano Art Prize.
Did you know that you can submit now
for our 2024 prizes?
That’s right!
You can enter all year…
And, best still, entry is free for all children
and all adults from non-OECD countries.
For everyone else, it is just AUD$10.
Have you got a lead-safety message
that you’d like to share?
Could your child’s preschool, kindergarten or school be interested in taking
part?
Please feel free to share these details with them. If there’s no time during class time, perhaps it
could go in the newsletter…
● Volcano Art Prize is an art competition held by The LEAD Group Inc.
● It is open to all age groups
● Entry is free for children and anyone living in non-OECD countries
● Entries can be drawings, paintings, poetry, video, performances… anything creative!
● Prizes include cash prizes and mugs from our sponsors, www.PictureProducts.com.au
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 5 of 44
Some of Our 2023 VAP Winners…
We were excited to see some of the winners from Creative Einstein with their mugs and
certificates on Facebook. Check the post out here
(https://leadsafeworld.com/VAP-creativeeinstein).
“One of the highlights of the year is putting the VAP winning entries onto mugs and
creating certificates for each of the entrants.” ~ Grandma Lead
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 6 of 44
Children - Time to Check Blood Lead Levels (BLLs)
It was in the early 1900s that two doctors from Queensland (John Lockhart Gibson and Alfred
Jefferis Turner) made the link between leaded household paint and lead poisoning in young
children (Symeonides et al 2020, Pre‐school child blood lead levels in a population‐derived
Australian birth cohort: the Barwon Infant Study, https://leadsafeworld.com/preschool-BLL).
Gibson and Jefferis Turner also found that rainwater tanks were a source of lead exposure.
It wasn’t until late last century that epidemiological studies showed that the effects lead had on
impairing child development occurred at much lower levels than previously thought.
In our Model National Policy, our research showed:
According to Dr Valerie Hickey, of the World Bank: “UNICEF and Pure Earth [July 2020]
estimate that 1 in 3 children – or up to 800 million globally – have blood lead levels at or
above 5 micrograms per deciliter [µg/dL] when any lead disrupts a child’s neurological
development and can cause premature death” (02 February 2023). Further to this, “it
was estimated in 2013 that a blood lead level of 1.0 μg/dL was associated with a
one-point loss in IQ score, confirming that there is no lower safe threshold of exposure”
(Taylor and Lanphear 2020)....
Even maternal blood lead levels below 1 µg/dL will decrease birth weight and
gestational age in the same way that smoking during pregnancy does and “a 0.1 μg/dL
increase in second trimester lead [is] associated with lower birth weight and pre-term
birth” (Rabito et al 2014). (https://leadsafeworld.com/model-national-policy)
This is part of why we call for a National Blood Lead Survey of all ages, including babies and
children from 6 months of age. Children 6-48 months old are at highest risk for lead exposure
due to mouthing behaviours, pica, more efficient absorption, smaller size, and larger body
burden.
While we are waiting for this, The LEAD Group recommends that all children above the age of
crawling have their blood lead levels tested. There is an exception - and that is for children who
are in lead mining and smelting (including lead-acid battery recycling/secondary smelting)
towns, and near general aviation airports. In these cases, blood lead levels should be assessed
for children as young as 4 months old due to the lead inhalation pathway.
One such area is Broken Hill.
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 7 of 44
West NSW Local Health District Public Health Unit (2022) published their Lead Report Summary
2021: Broken Hill Children Less than 5 Years Old which identified that there are substantial
differences between blood lead levels of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children.
As can be seen in the graph below (from this report), non-Aboriginal children (red) represent a
greater proportion of children with blood lead levels below 5 μg/dL.
Whereas, in every other category, the blood lead levels of Aboriginal children (blue) exceed the
levels of their non-Indigenous counterparts.
Lead, as we know, is detrimental to health - in the short-term and in the long-term. Research
published in 2018 made the point that “Millions of Americans now entering midlife and old age
were exposed to high levels of lead, a neurotoxin, as children” (Reuben 2018, Childhood Lead
Exposure and Adult Neurodegenerative Disease; you can read the article here
https://leadsafeworld.com/Reuben).
There is so much that needs to be done to protect our children, and in turn our future - and the
future of our beautiful planet.
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 8 of 44
There’s an ancient Chinese saying that goes like this -
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.
The second best time is now.
And, while we wait for governing bodies to get on
board with lead awareness, lead poisoning prevention
and more proactive measures, as outlined in our Model
National Policy…
YOU can take action now.
See your GP/doctor to arrange a blood test to assess lead levels.
You can also ask for a “blood lead series” which is a referral for several blood lead tests, so you
can monitor your child's progress as you address lead in the environment and other sources of
lead exposure.
It’s also important to be aware that lead persists in indoor dust, soil, ceiling dust, sediments and
so on until it is removed. This is where our Kits come into play - you can test and we can help you
address lead in your environment. (You can find them here https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-test)
So, while lead persists, we should too!
📣
Contact your local, state and federal member of parliament to create awareness and
request action.
📣
Tell your friends, family, childcare centres, schools.
📣
Create petitions to create change.
#bloodleadlevels #protectourchildren #testforleadNOW #leadpersistsSODOWE
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 9 of 44
Plumbophobia
While lead exposure can lead to serious health problems such as brain damage,
developmental problems, and decreased IQ...
Plumbophobia can also adversely affect your health!
Plumbophobia is the fear of lead and it can also take a toll on our mental and physical health.
Studies have shown that excessive stress and anxiety can lead to a host of health issues such as
high blood pressure, heart disease, and weakened immune system.
This is why at The LEAD Group we choose to empower you.
Don't let the fear of lead exposure control you.
● See your doctor and test blood lead levels of the family to determine if there’s any
problems.
● Take control of the situation by avoiding scare tactics aimed at selling products.
● Educate yourself on ways to reduce your risk of lead exposure.
● Adopt healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress.
● Test dust, soil, paint and drinking water in your home as these deliver a whopping 99%
of child lead exposure.
● Practising mindfulness can make a big difference.
Let's break the cycle and take informed action instead
of getting caught up in the panic.
Grandma Lead advises:
Spend zero time worrying and 100% of the time taking
informed action on lead.
#Plumbophobia #LeadSafety #MentalHealth
#LeadSafeWorld #lead #leadpoisoning #leadpoisoningprevention #theLEADgroup #GrandmaLead
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 10 of 44
US RECALL: Baby Food Pouches
In November 2023, the US Food & Drug
Administration (FDA) along with Centers for
Disease Control (CDC) were investigating links
between “Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree
pouches” and reports of elevated blood lead
levels.
The products were manufactured in Ecuador
and were sold under the brands:
🛑
WanaBana
🛑
Weis
🛑
Schnucks
It was clear that the likely culprit was cinnamon.
We’re still keen to see what other countries are doing about this - including Australia and New
Zealand.
My advice is -
If you’ve got any store-bought pureed cinnamon apple products OR cinnamon porridge food
pouches containing cinnamon from Sri Lanka, keep them safely out of reach of children until
your state or territory food safety agency has tested and declared them safe in Australia.
If you’ve regularly fed your children these cinnamon-containing baby food pouches, go to your
GP and ask for a blood lead series and organise for the blood to be collected at a public
hospital pathology clinic.
The US FDA says that most children have no obvious immediate symptoms, so don’t wait, get
your child blood lead tested if they’ve eaten any cinnamon-containing baby foods.
Read more here https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-applesauce and check the next page for
updates.
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 11 of 44
February 6, 2024
Ecuadorian officials in Agencia
Nacional de Regulación, Control y
Vigilancia Sanitaria (ARCSA) have
reported that Carols Aguilera of
Ecuador, the processor of the ground
cinnamon supplied by Negasmart to
Austrofoods and later used in the
recalled apple cinnamon products, is
the likely source of contamination and is not in operation at this time. Additionally, according to
ARCSA, the unprocessed cinnamon sticks used in related products were sourced from Sri Lanka
and were sampled by ARCSA and found to have no lead contamination. ARCSA’s investigation
and legal proceedings to determine the ultimate responsibility for the contamination are still
ongoing.
February 13, 2024
CDC’s National Center for
Environmental Health is conducting
case finding efforts in collaboration with
state and local health departments.
CDC’s case definition for state partners
includes a blood lead level of 3.5 µg/dL
or higher measured within 3 months
after consuming a recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis brand fruit puree product after
November 2022. As of February 9, CDC has received reports from 101 confirmed cases, 284
probable cases, and 37 suspected cases for a total of 422 cases from 44 different states through
their reporting structure. For more information, please visit CDC’s page to review their case
reporting methodology and findings.
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 12 of 44
March 13, 2024
To date, FDA has reviewed 90
confirmed complaints/reports of
adverse events potentially linked to
recalled product. Confirmed
complainants, or people for whom a
complaint or adverse event was
submitted and met FDA’s complainant
definition, are between zero and 53
years of age and the median age is
one year old.
CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health is conducting case finding efforts in
collaboration with state and local health departments. CDC’s case definition for state partners
includes a blood lead level of 3.5 µg/dL or higher measured within 3 months after consuming a
recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis brand fruit puree product after November 2022. As of
March 8, CDC has received reports of 126 confirmed cases, 336 probable cases and 37
suspected cases for a total of 499 cases from 44 different states through their reporting structure.
For more information, please visit CDC’s page to review their case reporting methodology and
findings.
#GrandmaLead #TheLEADGroup #LeadPoisoning #LeadPoisoningPrevention #applesauce #cinnamon
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 13 of 44
Grandma Lead Wisdom
We love getting your questions! Here are a couple of questions
Grandma Lead has recently answered.
Q) I have some jewellery that I worry may contain lead as it is
very old. I would love to get it tested, however there are over 30
pieces I’d need tested. I was wondering if you do XRF testing
and if not, can you recommend anywhere that does?
A) As far as I’m aware, there are only three options for XRF
testing in Australia. If you were to become a LEAD Group member ($10 per annum at
https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-member) you could get a discount on screening, by XRF testing
of heavy metals, Portable XRF Services in Perth www.pxrfs.com.au (ph 08 9321 2830).
Clients have told me about the other two options but can’t recommend them as I haven’t used
their services. Laboratory for Materials Analysis & Testing Services Pty Ltd (Melbourne VIC)
www.lmats.com.au, phone 03 9399 9199. Healthy Homes and Gardens (Bicton WA)
www.HealthyHomesandGardens.com.au, phone (08) 9321 2830.
Q) Hello, does Lead Safe World send either emailed or posted lead testing kits outside of
Australia? I am located in the United States and am looking for an at-home lead testing kit to
test my chickens' eggs to make sure they are safe to consume.
A) Thanks for your question. Sadly due to insurance restrictions we can’t sell any LEAD Group Kits
to USA or Canada but due to import customs restrictions you also can’t post eggs to our lab in
Australia (see the info from our site pasted in below).
You’ll need to find a lab in the US to test your backyard eggs for lead and I’ll send you my Info
Pack on Poultry and Lead which will hopefully inspire you to also find a lab that tests chicken-run
soil; any paint on the coop; if the water bowl is galvanised - drinking water (collect it at the end
of a day in the bowl in the sun); and even commercial chicken feed - in case US regulations on
lead in stockfeeds is as lax as Australia’s.
All the best and please let me know how you go.
Find out more: https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-outsideAus
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 14 of 44
With preventing lead exposure one of our major aims, we wanted to bring you a service to meet
your needs.
Let’s face it, there is only so much “general information” that is helpful… and that is why we
wanted to create the opportunity for you to get advice tailored to your situation, the
opportunity to ask about whatever it is that you want to know and get unbiased advice…
Introducing the Grandma Lead Advice Call!
Connect with Elizabeth O’Brien, our lead expert of over 30 years, via video call.
✅
Her advice is all about finding the best solutions for YOUR lead concerns.
No affiliate links, just genuine guidance rooted in extensive experience.
Learn more and book your call – https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-advice
🤔
Not sure what to test?
📋
Need guidance on sampling spots?
🧪
Curious about sample collection techniques?
🔍
Seeking solutions for lead findings?
🤯
Want facts instead of social media horror stories?
🩺
Concerned about elevated blood lead levels?
What will it cost you?
$60 per 15-minute interval. Just pay for the time you need! We're committed to ethical billing
practices to ensure you get precisely the guidance you require.
Don't let lead concerns linger - Grandma Lead's got you covered!
#TheLEADGroup #LeadSafeWorld #LeadPoisoningPrevention #LeadPoisoning #GrandmaLead #Advice
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 15 of 44
Action on Leaded Aviation Fuel in the US… and Australia
Did you know…?
That in the US, leaded fuel for motor
vehicles was banned nearly 25 years ago
and yet -
“The use of leaded avgas [aviation
gas/fuel] persists in approximately
170,000 piston-engine aircraft spread
across some 20,000 airports nationwide.
Emissions from these aircraft are
responsible for about 70% of lead
released into the atmosphere.”
🛩
Photo: Two Planes by Dennis Leight
VAP entry https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-two-planes
The US EPA recently came to a decision after a community petition urging emission standards to
reduce lead pollution from these aircraft, impacting children and causing severe health issues.
Over 5 million, including 360,000+ children, reside near these sites, facing heightened lead
exposure risks. “Most general aviation airports with the highest lead emissions are located in
communities of color.”
🌐
Get further details (Fitzgerald 2023 EPA Issues Endangerment Finding for Leaded Aviation
Gas) https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-aviation-fuel
Closer to home, the Australian government is currently consulting with stakeholders on this very
topic… and has produced a Green Paper to which people can respond.
🛬
We’ve sent through our submission urging the government to consider the health of
communities living near general aviation airports as well as pilots and refuelling staff.
🌐
Find the Green Paper here https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-avgas
#EPA #LeadAviationGasoline #LeadPollution #PublicHealth #TheLEADGroup #LeadPoisoningPrevention
#AirQuality #Earthjustice #ProtectingCommunities
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 16 of 44
Donate: Make a Meaningful Impact with Just $10!
At The LEAD Group, we're dedicated to safeguarding communities from the dangers of lead
exposure. Through partnerships, donations, and kit sales, we fund our critical work to provide
support and resources to those in need.
Despite our shoestring budget, we remain dedicated to our mission to make the world
lead-safe. Part of this is to ensure that all Australians have access to our services. To this end,
we've made LEAD Testing Kits available for free to individuals and families who may otherwise
be unable to afford them.
Now, we're reaching out to you for support.
Imagine the difference we could make if every
reader of this newsletter raised just $100.
With a collective effort, we could easily surpass our
fundraising goal of $3500.
And the best part? You only need to ask 10 people
to donate $10 each to help us achieve this
milestone.
Your generous tax-deductible donation will directly
impact those who rely on our services for lead
testing and prevention. Together, we can provide free kits to those who need them most,
ensuring their safety and well-being.
So, are you ready to make a meaningful difference with just $10? Join us in our mission to create
a lead-safe world for all.
Donate today and spread the word: https://leadsafeworld.com/donate$100each
Thank you for your unwavering support!
🙏
Team-LEAD Group
PS Feel free to share that link on socials to help us raise much needed funds!
#donate #freeKitsforthoseinneed #leadtestingsaveslives #leadpoisoningprevention
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 17 of 44
Partnership with The LEAD Group
During 2023 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action, we were honoured to
have the following companies become or renew their Partnership with us.
When there is so much action that can be taken to make the world lead-safe, having
like-minded partners reinforces the sense that we can do this because we are doing it
together.
Would you like to partner with us?
We’d love to have you on board. There are lots of benefits to being a partner - click here to
read more. https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-partnerwithus
Creative Einstein, under the leadership of Alice Ju,
boasts a team of experienced educators with a
remarkable track record. Their students consistently
achieve outstanding results in OC and Selective
High School Placement exams and excel in NAPLAN
and ICAS competitions. What truly sets them apart is
their unwavering commitment to lead safety. Creative Einstein students have made an
exceptional impact on The LEAD Group's lead safety photo/film competition, the Volcano
Art Prize. By using lead-free art materials for their submissions, they've not only showcased
their creativity and dedication but have also significantly contributed to lead safety
awareness. In fact, Creative Einstein students have collectively submitted more entries than
all other schools worldwide. Creative Einstein have also established a Facebook Group rich
with free educational resources (worksheets, vocabulary, video lessons, exam information
and advice, etc) for parents of school aged students with the vision of creating a community
of well-informed parents to support their children navigate through milestones at school. Join
the group Parent support: NAPLAN, OC, Selective https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-partnerCE
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 18 of 44
Stefan Irwanto is a Biomedical Engineer, an Indoor
Environmental Professional (IEP), and the founder of
Test My Property. He utilises The LEAD Group's testing
kits to assess lead contamination. With extensive
experience in air quality monitoring and a deep
understanding of environmental toxins, Stefan is
dedicated to ensuring that every property is free
from lead, and other potential hazards, such as mould, poor indoor air quality, VOCs and
EMF. Stefan is a certified IICRC Water Damage Restoration and Applied Microbial
Remediation Technician. His mission is to reduce the impact of environmental toxins one
property at a time. https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-partnerTMP
Global Valve Technology takes the lead in ensuring
your water safety. With our state-of-the-art Zero
Lead Water Meters, including advanced Digital
Water Meters (NBIoT and LoRaWAN), we're
committed to eliminating the risk of lead exposure in
your water. The New York Times reminds us that no
exposure to lead is entirely safe, as even low levels can impact a child's intelligence, learning
ability, and behaviour. While Australia is trailing behind North America and Europe in the
removal of lead content from our water, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has set
the course for change. Plumbing products, including water meters, will soon be limited to a
maximum allowable lead content of just 0.25%. Why wait possibly a decade or more to
replace your old, high-lead water meter? Reach out to your water company now and
discuss your concerns. They're dedicated to your well-being. Make the safe choice with
Global Valve Technology.
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 19 of 44
Mudgee Region Health Alliance is an alliance of
medicos, vets, nurses and scientists all supporting the
fight against Bowdens Lead mine. Mudgee Region
Action Group (formerly Lue Action Group) was formed
in 2011 to ensure development proposed for the
region is undertaken responsibly, and in a way that
protects the community and the environment.
Mudgee Region Action Group (MRAG) is opposed to the Bowdens Silver Pty Ltd proposal for
the development of lead zinc and silver mine at Lue, on the basis that the mine would have
unacceptable impacts on the Mudgee, Rylstone, Kandos and Lue communities, people and
surrounding environment in the short, medium and long term. Please support the work of
these Mudgee Region groups by signing the petition at
https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-partnerMRHA and sharing the link on Social Media.
Vinco is an industry leader in stainless steel tapware
for residential and commercial use. Their
commitment to delivering health and well-being to
Australian communities and businesses is evident in
their high manufacturing standards. Vinco stands out
for its focus on lead-free, brass-free tapware products, ensuring the safety of your drinking
water. Their stainless steel tapware eliminates the need for costly additional filters and
maintenance, making it a more cost-effective choice. When shopping for tapware,
remember to prioritise lead-free and brass-free options, compliance with Australian
standards, and overall cost-effectiveness. Vinco offers a safer and economically sound
solution for your tapware needs. https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-partnerV
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 20 of 44
What Should I Test for Lead?
Curious about lead exposure and its impact on
your life?
Well, guess what?
We've got a solution that's as easy as ABC!
Photo: “Sydney Analytical Laboratories lead tester” by Lance Smith
VAP entry https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-SAL
Introducing our Quiz -
Our quiz was crafted using Grandma Lead wisdom! She draws
together decades of knowledge to make your lead journey
smoother and easier.
🔍
Is Lead a Concern for You?
Wondering if lead is knocking on your door? Dive into our 10-question quiz to find out how, what
and if you should be testing for lead.
🛠
Your Next Steps Await
It's not just about knowing the issue exists – it's about tackling it head-on! Discover golden
nuggets of wisdom, practical tips, and actionable steps to lead-safe your world.
Ready to level up your lead knowledge?
Take the quiz now at https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-leadquiz and set yourself on the path to a
lead-free, healthier life.
#LeadAwarenessQuiz #LeadSafeLiving #TakeTheQuiz #GrandmaLead #LeadExposure #LeadPoisoning
#LeadSafety #LeadPoisoningPrevention
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 21 of 44
What Should You Do if Exposed to Lead?
If you’re worried about lead, the best thing to do is to put
your mind at ease by testing to find out what you’re dealing
with.
Lead can be found in many places in our homes… and
after over 3 decades of working with lead and lead
abatement, here are the steps that we recommend.
STEP 1
First, see your doctor to organise blood testing to find out if you or your family have been
exposed to lead.
If lead is detected in the blood, it's time to test your home or other areas where you spend time.
STEP 2
Test! Get your LEAD Group Kit (https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-test) to test –
● The dust in your home with a surface dust wipe
● The water from the tap you drink from
● The soil that you grow vegetables or herbs in, or that your children, pets or chooks
access
● The toys that your children or pets suck on - especially if they are old or imported
● Any eggs that you eat from your chooks
STEP 3
If you aren’t sure what to do, then reach out to us here https://leadsafeworld.com/contact-TLG
or book a call with Grandma Lead (https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-advice).
Remember, prevention is key when it comes to lead poisoning. Take action today to protect
your family's health and well-being.
#leadpoisoningprevention #leadexposureprevention #lead #grandmalead #leadtesting
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 22 of 44
The Perfect Predator
“Lead Poisoning… The Perfect Predator”
This video is a *must-watch* as it tells the stories of children who have been lead poisoned and
how easily it can be prevented.
In a nutshell, the best course of action is to test your home…
✅
Testing (or screening) your home is a preventative action -
✅
And better to test BEFORE anyone has been poisoned.
✅
“Prevention is better than cure”, right?!
👌
As Kelly J. Mikullitz, attorney, points out in the video, “testing properties prevents the exposure
altogether… [lead poisoning is] 100% preventable…”
She says that in the jurisdictions which require screening of homes for lead, there’s been a huge
reduction in the lead levels of children “because we’re not waiting until a child is poisoned to
find the problems. This is a predator in your home…”
Check it out here
👉
https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-perfpred
#lead #leadpoisoning #leadpoisoningprevention #leadsafeworld #TheLEADGroup #surfacedustwipes
#bloodleadlevels #LEADGrouptestkit #leadtesting #leadpoisoningtheperfectpredator #GrandmaLead
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 23 of 44
Vaping, Smoking, and Lead
Vaping and Smoking Both Lead Your Health to the Gutter.
Protect your health from lead and radioactive polonium-210 which decays
to lead plus multiple other toxics by neither smoking nor vaping, says
Grandma Lead.
When you come across statements like “vapes or e-cigs, they’re far less harmful than cigarettes
and can help you quit smoking for good” (National Health Service [NHS] UK, 2022), it’s no
wonder that people consider trying e-cigarettes, also known as vapes. But the crucial question is
whether this claim holds true…
We wanted you to have the facts about the very real dangers of vaping and smoking, so put
this post together. You can read it here https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-vaping.
Photo: “Vaping and Smoking Both Lead Your Health to the Gutter” by Elizabeth O’Brien
Adapted from VAP entry https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-VAPvaping
#LeadExposure #HealthyChoices #ClearTheAir #LeadPoisoning #LeadSafety #LeadAwareness
#TheLEADGroup #PreventionIsKey #LeadPoisoningPrevention #GrandmaLead #vaping #smoking
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 24 of 44
Calling All Volunteers
Are you seeking a way to make a meaningful
impact in your community?
Consider volunteering at The LEAD Group!
Our charity is dedicated to promoting lead
poisoning prevention and management, and we
welcome individuals who are passionate about
creating safer and healthier environments for all.
With a variety of volunteer opportunities available,
there's a place for you to contribute your skills and
time, whether you're a seasoned professional or
just starting out.
Yes! You can read that as: we can probably create a position that matches your skills!
Volunteering with The LEAD Group offers a chance to be part of something truly meaningful and
to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by lead exposure.
By joining our team, you'll have the opportunity to engage in important work that directly
supports our mission of creating a lead-safe world where everyone can thrive.
And, we’re able to offer “working from home” arrangements - so you don’t need to be in
Sydney to join the team.
Ready to get involved?
Contact us today to learn more about volunteering opportunities and how you can play a vital
role in our efforts. Together, we can make a difference and create positive change in our
communities. >> Email us at: info@lead.org.au or call Elizabeth on +61 2 9716 0014.
#volunteer #makeadifference #leadsafeworld #leadpoisoningprevention #JOINUS
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 25 of 44
2023 ILPPWA Lead Experts Q&A Panel
As part of International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action 2023, we hosted an expert
Q&A Panel to talk about lead and answer your questions.
Protecting families from lead exposure was a hot topic on the live Lead Expert Q&A Panel.
Lead exposure is a silent danger that can affect the health and well-being of all organisms on
earth including adults and children but especially foetuses and young children.
On our Q&A panel, our experts shared valuable insights on how to safeguard families from lead
exposure.
Our panellists were:
● Professor Richard Banati
● Elizabeth O’Brien (Grandma Lead)
● Tim Pye
● Ananda Card
● Brian Arndt
Missed our Lead Experts Q&A Panel?
Watch the replay here https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-replay
#LeadExposure #HealthyChoices #LeadPoisoning #LeadSafety #LeadAwareness #TheLEADGroup
#PreventionIsKey #LeadPoisoningPrevention #GrandmaLead
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 26 of 44
What do Beethoven and Lead Have in Common?
In 1827, Ludwig van Beethoven died at the age of 56.
He suffered many ailments in his short life - and these
included stomach cramps, deafness, dramatic mood
swings and towering rages his whole adult life,
amongst others.
25 years before his death, he wrote a letter to his
brothers with the following request:
After my death, if Dr. Schmidt is still alive, ask him in my
name to discover my disease, and attach this written
document to his account of my illness… (HRI, 2000).
Recent testing of Beethoven’s hair and skull fragments revealed that indeed the culprit was lead.
How did this happen?
Here are some of the possible sources of his lead exposure:
🐟
Fish from a river downstream from lead mines;
🍷
Wine from his leaded pewter goblet;
🏥
A lifetime of medical treatments (which at that time were often sweetened with sugar
of lead);
✏
Holding a leaded pencil in his mouth and resting the other end on the piano so he
could “hear” the sound vibrations; and
🍧
Plus all the usual lead sources of his era, lead-based sweeteners in wine, lead pewter
dinnerware and utensils, in the leading of windows, in candles, in water pipes, in paint.
Beethoven also used his saliva-wetted finger to make beautiful noises on the
mechanically-spinning different sized lead crystal bowl (possibly also lead-painted) rims of a
musical instrument he loved to play called the armonica, before his symptoms began.
#lead #leadpoisoning #beethoven #AskGrandmaLead #TheLEADGroup #leadsafeworld #healthyliving
#leadpoisoningprevention
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 27 of 44
Share Your Feedback
📢
Have you used our services?
We’re looking for your feedback.
👀
Can you spare a moment to share your thoughts through our feedback form?
Your insights guide our efforts in lead poisoning prevention and help us to provide services and
products that meet your needs.
Complete the form here: https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-thoughts
Share the love… and win a prize!?!
As you know, reviews are often the deciding factor as
to whether or not we use a service or product… We all
check out reviews and want to know all about what
others have experienced.
So, we’re wanting to encourage you to share about
your experience with The LEAD Group.
We'll be on the lookout for your reviews on Google
and other social media platforms…
🏆
AND we’ll be awarding prizes! (Be sure you tag us using #TheLEADGroup)
Your voice matters, and your input could win you a special reward.
Let's collaborate to safeguard our communities and create a lead safe world!
#reviews #lead #leadpoisoning #GrandmaLead #TheLEADGroup #leadpoisoningprevention
#leadsafeworld
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 28 of 44
Bowden Lead Mine Update
The Mudgee Region Action Group is opposed to the Bowdens Silver Pty Ltd proposal for the
development of lead zinc and silver mine at Lue due to the impacts on the Mudgee, Rylstone,
Kandos and Lue communities, people and surrounding environment in the short, medium and
long term.
They posted an update, which you can see here https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-MRAGupdate
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 29 of 44
LEAPP Alliance UK
LEAPP Alliance (Lead Exposure and Poisoning Prevention Alliance) is a joint initiative of the Lead
Containing Materials Association, Lead In The Water and Lead Safe World UK.
The mission of the alliance is to use our collective knowledge, experience and skill to promote
lead poisoning prevention in the UK. If you want to do something about lead toxicity in the UK,
please endorse us. You can find their website here: https://leappalliance.org.uk/
LEAPP Alliance UK held their All Supporters Mini-Conference on 23rd October 2023 and have
shared slides from the meeting for your interest.
Here are a few highlights.
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 30 of 44
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 31 of 44
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 32 of 44
Lobbying Your Local Member of Parliament
There are lots of good reasons to contact your local Member of Parliament (MP) about
lead-safety and lead-poisoning prevention.
Here are some ideas:
Addressing lead-contaminated tank water and ceiling dust in Indigenous communities
Legislating lead-hazards handouts for potential buyers, renters and improving DIY information
to prevent lead exposure and secondary contamination (eg sanding or scraped lead paint left
on the ground)
Cleaning up lead mining towns for future generations
Lowering allowable lead levels in Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
Banning duck hunting and the use of leaded bullets; and fishing sinkers and wheel weights
If you would like some ideas for advocating for lead-safe policies, then you can explore our
Model National Policy here https://leadsafeworld.com/LAN-natpol
And some tips for effective communication as shared by LEAPP Alliance, UK -
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 34 of 44
Chocolate: Lead and Cadmium
While we posted about this back in May 2023
(https://leadsafeworld.com/chocolate-fb0523), more
information is coming to the fore about
contaminants in chocolate.
It seems that despite the many health benefits of
dark chocolate, in the case of lead, milk chocolate
wins.
The reason? Milk chocolate contains less cocoa
solids (cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, cocoa, and so
on).
An investigation by Consumer Reports (US) found that the levels of cadmium and lead found in
dark chocolate were similar to those reported in a more comprehensive study by the US Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018.
They found that “23 of 28 tested dark chocolate bars contained excessive lead or cadmium,
including Hershey products sold under its own brand and the Lily's and Scharffen Berger brands”
(https://leadsafeworld.com/Stempel).
Further:
The F.D.A. study found that dark chocolate had, on average, 7.6 micrograms of
cadmium and 0.8 micrograms of lead per one-ounce serving [28.4 g], and some
products had three or four times as much. (Milk chocolate, which contains less cocoa,
had much lower concentrations.)
Compared with more than 300 other foods tested by the F.D.A. in a separate study,
dark chocolate had the third-highest concentrations of both cadmium and lead,
exceeded only by baking powder and cocoa powder for lead, and cocoa powder
and sunflower seeds for cadmium. (https://leadsafeworld.com/Callahan)
While the Consumer Reports investigation was not peer-reviewed, it's a good reminder to be
mindful of the food we consume and the potential risks associated with heavy metal exposure.
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 35 of 44
Grandma Lead has told us many times that there is no safe level of lead exposure.
If you’re a chocolate lover (like us!) then don’t despair - just keep things in moderation.
Take stock of your chocolate intake (chocolate, bars, drinking chocolate, and so on) and limit
your consumption.
How much is okay?
If you’re a dark chocolate lover, ensure that you eat less than 1oz (28.4g) per day.
What else can you do?
Lobby your MP to take action on this!
The investigation and reports referred to here are all US-based.
So, if you are in Australia, you could contact Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
which is part of the Australian Government's Health portfolio. Here is the contact page on their
website: https://leadsafeworld.com/FSANZ
#chocolate #leadinchocolate #darkchocolate #cadmiuminchocolate
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 36 of 44
Safe Management of Lead Paint
Have you ever wondered how to deal with lead
paint… safely?
It’s a really common problem, so back in 2012, we
created a flowchart for the safe management of
lead paint - Flowchart for the Safe Management of
Lead Paint (2012).
(Please see the next page.)
Have your say!
We’re planning on popping this up on the website so more people can access it, but before
we do, we’d love your input!
Are there any updates or corrections that you can suggest?
Is there something you think we should include?
Anything else?
If so, please let us know at https://leadsafeworld.com/contact-TLG
Check out the flowchart
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 37 of 44
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 38 of 44
Industrial Lead Paint Management
Recently, we received an inquiry about training
for industrial lead paint management.
So Grandma Lead created an Info Pack, called
“Industrial Lead Paint Management in Australia:
Class 5 Certification with the PCCP” which you
can read here:
https://leadsafeworld.com/industrial-lead-paint.
In a nutshell, the relevant training, overseen by
CSIRO, is Class 5 Certification with the PCCP
(Painting Contractors Certification Program) for
industrial lead paint management training and
certification - and then we can join forces.
Listing and Partnership with The LEAD Group
Once a responsible person from your company has completed the FULL SCAA Course, we
would be happy to list you for free at:
● The LEAD Group’s All Painters with lead paint management training page
(https://leadsafeworld.com/all-painters)
And you are able to become a Corporate Member!
Corporate Members receive the following benefits:
● A paragraph listing your company’s connections to lead-safety
● Your company logo
● A link to your website.
Our Corporate Membership is $132 per annum (or the discounted $100 per annum if your
company also belongs to another organisation with lead-safety aims compatible with The LEAD
Group’s vision).
Join us here: https://leadsafeworld.com/become-a-corporate-member
#industrialleadpaintmanagement #corporatemember
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 39 of 44
Benefits of Joining
Did you know you can join The LEAD Group as an individual?
That’s right! For just $10 per year, you get -
● An email notice each time our quarterly e-newsletter LEAD Action News is published to
our website (this is a LEAD Action News)
● An invitation to our AGM, held in October each year, and
● You will also be eligible for the members’ discount if you want to purchase any of our
Kits, or if you want to have items tested for metals by XRF (x-ray fluorescence) through
Sampling Technologies in Melbourne or Portable XRF Services
Here is our pricing table so you can see the savings that a $10 investment will get you (and there
are no limits on how many Kits you can get in a year!).
Member Prices
Non-member Prices
Emailed
Posted
Emailed
Posted
1-Sample Lead Testing Kit
$56
$66
$66
$76
2-Sample Lead Testing Kit
$112
$122
$132
$142
8-Sample Lead Testing Kit
$263
$273
$288
$298
That’s pretty awesome, right??
If you’d like to get our special members rates AND the other benefits, you can join us today!
🔗
Here’s the link https://leadsafeworld.com/matesrates
#JoinUsandSAVE #becomeamember #TheLEADGroup
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 40 of 44
Quotable Quotes
Benjamin Franklin wrote at the end of his 1786 letter to
Benjamin Vaughan regarding lead poisoning (p29):
“This,
my
dear
friend, is all I can at present recollect on the Subject. You will
see by it, that the Opinion of this mischievous Effect from Lead, is at least above Sixty Years old;
and you will observe with Concern how long a useful Truth may be known, and exist, before it is
generally receiv'd and practis'd on.”
You will see that Franklin was referring to an opinion expressed 60 years previously, in 1726.
Today, nearly 300 years later, we are still dealing with lead poisoning.
This quote was contributed by Tim Pye who is flummoxed as to why the useful Truth about the
mischievous Effect from Lead has still not been fully received and practiced on now nearly 300
years on!
Reference: Ben Franklin's Lead Poisoning Letter to Benjamin Vaughan, Phila July 31, 1786, reprinted in The Ingenious
Dr. Franklin: Selected Scientific Letters of Benjamin Franklin (edited by Nathan G. Goodman), Pages displayed on
Google Books by permission of University of Pennsylvania Press. Copyright. Letter web-published by Environmental
Education Associates (EEA) - which can be viewed on the following page, and can be accessed using this link:
https://leadsafeworld.com/benjaminfranklinletter
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 41 of 44
The Famous Benjamin Franklin Letter On Lead Poisoning
Phila July 31, 1786 (To Benjamin Vaughan)
Dear Friend,
I recollect that when I had the great Pleasure of seeing you at Southampton, now a 12 month since, we
had some Conversation on the bad Effects of Lead taken inwardly; and that at your Request I promis'd to
send you in writing a particular Account of several Facts I then mention'd to you, of which you thought
some good Use might be made. I now sit down to fulfil that Promise.
The first Thing I remember of this kind, was a general discourse in Boston when I was a Boy, of a
Complaint from North Carolina against New England Rum, that it poison'd their People, giving them the
Dry Bellyach, with a Loss of the Use of their Limbs. The Distilleries being examin'd on the Occasion, it
was found that several of them used leaden Still-heads and Worms, and the Physicians were of the
Opinion that the Mischief was occasion'd by that Use of Lead. The Legislature of the Massachusetts
thereupon pass'd an Act prohibiting under severe Penalties the Use of such Still-heads & Worms
thereafter. Inclos'd I send you a Copy of the Act, taken from my printed Law book.
In 1724, being in London, I went to work in the Printing-House of Mr. Palmer, Bartholomew Close as a
Compositor. I there found a Practice I had never seen before, of drying a Case of Types, (which are wet
in Distribution) by placing it sloping before the Fire. I found this had the additional Advantage, when the
Types were not only dry'd but heated, of being comfortable to the Hands working over them in cold
weather. I therefore sometimes heated my Case when the Types did not want drying. But an old
Workman observing it, advis'd me not to do so, telling me I might lose the Use of my Hands by it, as two
of our Companions had nearly done, one of whom that us'd to earn his Guinea a Week could not then
make more than ten Shillings and the other, who had the Dangles, but Seven & sixpense. This, with a
kind of obscure Pain that I had sometimes felt as it were in the Bones of my Hand when working over the
Types made very hot, induc'd me to omit the Practice. But talking afterwards with Mr. James, a
Letter-founder in the same Close, and asking him if his People, who work'd over the little Furnaces of
melted Metal, were not subject to that Disorder; he made light of any Danger from the Effluvia, but
ascrib'd it to Particles of the Metal swallow'd with their Food by slovenly Workmen, who went to their
Meals after handling the Metal, without well-washing their Fingers, so that some of the metalline Particles
were taken off by their Bread and eaten with it. This appear'd to have some Reason in it. But the Pain I
had experienc'd made me still afraid of those Effluvia.
Being in Derbishire at some of the Furnaces for Smelting of Lead Ore, I was told that the Smoke of those
Furnaces was pernicious to the neighboring Grass and other Vegetables. But I do not recollect to have
heard any thing of the Effect of such Vegetables eaten by Animals. It may be well to make the Enquiry.
In America I have often observed that on the Roofs of our shingled Houses where Moss is apt to grow in
northern Exposures, if there be any thing on the Roof painted with white lead, such as Balusters, or
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 42 of 44
Frames of dormant Windows, &c. there is constantly a streak on the Shingles from such Paint down to
the Eaves, on which no Moss will grow, but the Wood remains constantly clean & free from it.--We
seldom drink Rain Water that falls on our Houses; and if we did, perhaps the small Quantity of Lead
descending from such Paint, might not be sufficient to produce any sensible ill Effect on our Bodies. But I
have of a Case in Europe, I forgot the Place, where a whole Family was afflicted with what we call the
Dry-Bellyach, or Colica Pictonum, by drinking Rain Water. It was at a Country Seat, which being situated
too high to have the Advantage of a Well, was supply'd with Water from a Tank which receiv'd the Water
from the leaded Roofs. This had been drank several Years without Mischief; but some young Trees
planted near the House, growing up above the Roof, and shedding their Leaves upon it, it was suppos'd
that an Acid in those Leaves had corroded the Lead they cover'd, and furnish'd the Water of that Year
with its baneful Particles & Qualities.
When I was in Paris with Sir John Pringle in 1767, he visited La Charite, a Hospital particularly famous
for the Cure of that Malady, and brought from thence a Pamphlet, containing a List of the Names of
Persons, specifying their Professions or Trades, who had been cured there. I had the Curiosity to
examine that List, and found that all the Patients were of Trades that some way or other use or work in
Lead; such as Plumbers, Glasiers, Painters, &c. excepting only two kinds, Stonecutters and Soldiers.
These I could not reconcile to my Notion that Lead was the Cause of that Disorder. But on my
mentioning this Difficulty to a Physician of that Hospital, he inform'd me that the Stonecutters are
continually using melted Lead to fix the Ends of Iron Balustrades in Stone; and that the Soldiers had
been emply'd by Painters as Labourers in Grinding of Colours.
This, my dear friend, is all I can at present recollect on the Subject. You will see by it, that the Opinion of
this mischievous Effect from Lead, is at least above Sixty Years old; and you will observe with Concern
how long a useful Truth may be known, and exist, before it is generally receiv'd and practis'd on.
-- I am, ever,
Yours most affectionately
B. Franklin
(Benjamin Vaughan was a youthful admirer and close friend of Franklin, who was 80 years old when he
wrote to Vaughan. The letter press copy of Franklin's communication is in the Library of Congress, the
holograph not having survived. The letter is reproduced here with the original capitalization and
spelling.)nd,
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 43 of 44
Benjamin Franklin. (n.d.). AZQuotes.com. Retrieved 22 April 2024 from AZQuotes.com Web site:
https://www.azquotes.com/quote/1210155
Here Franklin was referring to the printing press and asserting that the written word is
all-conquering. We may be concerned about lead dust migrating to the printed paper or the
print press worker. A paper titled Occupational Lead Exposure in Printing Presses: An Analytical
Approach by Oke et al, 2008, explores the issue and describes the ‘lead absorption problem
that poses a great threat to the health of workers in printing presses’.
You can read the article here: https://leadsafeworld.com/Oke-article
LEAD Action News Volume 22 Number 1 April 2024 44 of 44
