Mount Isa Test Results Released

The Health Minister Stephen Robertson has today released further information about the lead test results of children in Mount Isa.

“The elevated lead levels of children in Mount Isa is of huge public interest to the local community,” Mr Robertson said.

“This government has made a commitment to work with the Mount Isa community and keep people informed.

“However, there is also legal action current and care has to be taken to ensure it is not compromised in any way.

“Initial advice cautioned against the release of the re-testing figures but after careful consideration and seeking further advice overnight , this government has decided to release these figures today.

“In May 2008, Queensland Health released a report of the Mount Isa Community Lead Screening Program, which found 45 children had elevated lead blood levels.

“Of the 45 Children that returned test results above 10ug/dL, 23 did not submit to retesting.

“Of the 22 that did get retested, 12 still had levels higher than 10ug/dL and 10 had levels that were now below 10ug/dL,” Mr Robertson said.

Queensland Health is case managing all children whose blood lead levels are equal to or greater than 10 ug/dL.

Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan strongly endorses the release of these figures.

“As the Member for Mount Isa I made a commitment of keeping our community informed on this matter and provide information to them which concerns the health and wellbeing of our children and residents of our city”,” Mrs Kiernan said.

“It is imperative this government continues the testing of children in Mount Isa.

“As the Local member I will continue to ensure this government keeps the local community informed about the elevated lead blood levels in our local children,” Mrs Kiernan said.

Queensland Health continues to work closely with families of the children who have been identified as having elevated blood lead levels.

Each of the families of the children with elevated lead levels has been given advice on methods to reduce their child’s exposure to lead.

Detailed environmental audits have been conducted on four of the five households that have children with elevated lead levels.

These audits identify environmental sources of lead and behaviours that increase the risk of lead uptake.

Contact: Catherine Goldie 3234 1190 or 0417 728 676