The WasteMINZ Residential lead working group was formed in 2018 and includes representative from the health and public health sectors, lead awareness advocates, environmental consultants, local government and the paint retail and trade industries.
The group is concerned with the undetermined magnitude of health effects from multiple residential (non-occupational) sources of lead. Our purposes are to bring together people to identify and address gaps in the knowledge and practice for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
The WasteMINZ Residential lead working group identified three areas that require urgent action:
- Leadership and coordination: Several entities and individuals have some role in lead exposure management. They are guided by a myriad of legislation and guidance, with no agency accountable for ensuring the whole system works, and no stated goal to protect New Zealanders against exposure to lead.
- Research and monitoring: High level surveillance alongside prevalence testing (in high-risk areas with older housing or other risk factors) is needed to assess children’s current lead exposure. Blood lead level data is poor, almost solely occupational, and completely absent for children under 5.
- Advocacy and proactive measures: Regulation and guidance is sporadic and often outdated. There are opportunities to raise awareness of lead to empower and protect tenants, homeowners, painters and most importantly children.
You can read the group’s position paper regarding exposure to lead in the residential environment here.
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