Lead exposure and poisoning factsheet

Introduction

Lead is a harmful natural metal found in the ground. It is mainly used in building and manufacturing but also in old paints, household pipes, and some traditional medicines. Lead can spread through the environment in water, dust, and soil. 

Lead is toxic, which means it is harmful and cannot be broken down by the body. It can enter the body when children breathe in or swallow substances that contain it, and pregnant women who breathe in or swallow lead can pass it on to their unborn baby. 

Lead stays in the body for a long time and can build up in the blood.

  • Lead exposure: when a child comes into contact with lead.
  • Lead poisoning: when a child has high levels of lead in their blood from exposure. 

Children under five years old are most at risk of lead poisoning because: 

  • they are more likely to put their hands or objects in their mouths
  • their bodies absorb more lead than adults
  • their brains are still developing and are more sensitive to lead. 

Lead exposure and poisoning can affect your child's learning and physical development.

 Signs and symptoms

If you think your child has been exposed to lead, act immediately. 

Remove the toy or object you think contains lead and call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for advice. 

They will give you information about first aid and tell you whether to see your local doctor or the emergency department. 

Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or go to your nearest emergency department if your child has swallowed an object that is high in lead, including:

  • fishing sinkers
  • bullets or shots
  • leadlight.

Acute lead exposure

Acute lead exposure is a single exposure to high levels of lead, like swallowing a lead fishing sinker.

Symptoms include:

  • muscle pains
  • abdominal pain
  • feeling sleepy or low in energy
  • headaches
  • vomiting
  • fits or seizures
  • coma – when a person is unconscious for a long period.

Chronic lead exposure

Chronic lead exposure is long, continuous exposure to lead, like living in an older house painted with lead paint.

Symptoms include:

  • learning disabilities
  • poor hearing
  • behavioural problems
  • poor school performance
  • poor coordination
  • slow or abnormal growth.  

Diagnosis

Your local doctor can diagnose lead exposure and poisoning by:

  • taking a medical history
  • doing a physical exam
  • checking your child’s symptoms
  • doing a blood test.

Lead exposure and poisoning can happen in groups. If one child in your household is diagnosed with lead exposure or poisoning, everyone else in the household should also be checked.

Treatment

Lead exposure and poisoning are treated by removing the lead source and preventing further exposure.

Depending on symptoms, some children may also need treatments like:

  • vitamins
  • chelation therapy – medication that sticks to lead in the body and helps it to pass through urine or wee.

Speak to your child’s doctor about treatments for lead exposure and poisoning.

Chronic lead exposure can cause long-term developmental problems that may not show up right away, so it’s important to have regular check-ups as your child grows.

 Management

Common sources of lead in Australia

If you are concerned you or your child has been exposed to lead, call your local Public Health Unit (1300 066 055) so they can manage the source of the lead exposure.

Toys

Lead may be found in the paint on some children's toys, especially those made overseas. Australia has limits on the amount of lead allowed in materials used to make and paint toys, but standards can vary by country. 

Cosmetics

Eye cosmetics imported from India, Pakistan, Africa and the Middle East may contain lead.

These products include:

  • kohl
  • kajal
  • surma. 

Check for safety alerts on The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s website. 

Older buildings

Lead was commonly used in building materials before 1970 and is still used in some industries. 

Lead flashing, used in roofing, can release lead particles if damaged. 

Older houses may have lead pipes, which can contaminate water for up to 5 years. 

Paint in older buildings

Lead-based paint used in homes built before 1970 can create dangerous dust when disturbed, especially during renovations. Lead paint chips can also taste sweet, which may attract young children. 

Environment

Before 2002, most petrol in Australia contained lead. This caused lead to enter the air and soil and build up over time, especially in places with lots of traffic. 

While lead-based fuel is now banned, areas with heavy traffic may still have high levels of lead. This can increase the risk of exposure and poisoning for children who live or play in these areas.

Other common lead products

Other everyday products that contain levels of lead include:

  • herbal medicines, including traditional Chinese and Indian medicines
  • glazed pottery and lead crystal food containers
  • fishing sinkers and other metal objects.
  • hobbies like crafting lead lighting, shooting, glazing and making fishing sinkers.

Preventing lead exposure and poisoning

There is no safe level of lead exposure. The only way to prevent lead poisoning is to keep your child away from known lead sources. 

Here are some strategies to help prevent exposure:

Homes:

  • test for lead in any pre-1970 paint in your home and contact a professional for lead paint removal if needed
  • avoid homes and childcare near any known lead industry
  • have your water tested if your pipes and plumbing are old.

Hygiene:

  • wash your child's hands regularly to reduce dirt and dust getting into their mouth
  • dust and mop with a damp cloth regularly to remove lead-containing dust
  • keep dust-contaminated clothes from workplaces where lead is out of the home and away from children.

Diet:

  • give your child foods rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C to reduce the amount of lead absorbed by their body. 

Products:

  • limit the use and purchase of lead-based products
  • if you do have lead-based products in the home, keep them secure and out of reach of children
  • research imported cosmetics, alternative medicines, and toys before buying them.

Disclaimer

This factsheet is provided for general information only. It does not constitute health advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition.

Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for you and/or your child.

The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network does not accept responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions, the interpretation of the information, or for success or appropriateness of any treatment described in the factsheet.

© Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network 2025


This factsheet was produced with support from John Hunter Children's Hospital.