Esperance Lead worries

Mal
I hadn't heard of the problem - being on the East Coast. We spent some time in Esperance 3 years ago and really enjoyed it. I just googled "Esperance Lead Carbonate" The reports are really worrying. Looks like it might be a state government cover up of a great stuff up!!! Apparently the stuff is still stored on the wharf while the pollies look for someone else to blame. Unfortunately, I think we,and a lot of other people, would be reluctant to go there at the moment. It seems the problem only came to light when the local birdlife starting dropping out of the sky. Don't forget they used to use canaries in the mines to suss out the gas - a dead canary meant GET OUT QUICK!!!

tessa

Bird life didnt drop from the sky they were from within the shed.
elevated lead levels have been found in some rainwater tanks but the source is undetermined wth further testing needed.
Of the 900 people tested something like 20 were found to have lead levels higher than WHO specified only 6 currently have elevated levels with further testing needed to find if there is any other source.
Fully agree questions need to be asked but as for the hysterical reply above any problem they have had is about neglagible on the scale when compared to places like Pt Pirie whose own residents were largly a part of the cover up.
If your really worried dont drink rainwater from there

Hi Mal,

There has been an issue with some elevated blood lead levels amongst some of the locals in Esperance. There appears to be little doubt that these elevated lead levels are associated with the operations at the port.

I'm lead to believe that the dust emissions from the port have been improved in recent times. I'm not sure if any of the lead is still being move through there now - I think it was shut down earlier this year.

IMHO there is very very little risk to someone visiting Esperance for a trip, to be affected/harmed by lead exposure. I have previously worked in and lived next to Lead mines and have studied blood lead levels (including my own and those of my family).

If you were at all concerned, the simple way to manage the problem is good hygiene at meal times. As lead is pretty much only taken up by ingestion, there are a few simple rules you can follow:
Always wash your hands prior to eating and eat of a clean surface.
Prepare food off clean plates etc.. and not off bench tops.
Don't chew your fingernails and there no such thing as a "5 second rule" anymore (ie. don't eat dropped food).
Wipe up benchtops regularly with a damp cloth.
Do any dusting using a damp cloth and not a feather duster.
If you were staying longer term you should buy a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter rather than a standard vacuum cleaner.
And in Esperance in particular, don't drink out of rainwater tanks that are near the port.

I doubt that Esperance will end up anything like Wittenoom. There is a public health problem there with the long-term locals (and children) but I believe that those problems are quite solvable (not without some effort mind you).

I hope that wasn't too long-winded. In short - you'll be fine for a visit to the area.

Regards
Stephen J.

Hi, Living in Port Pirie for the last 55years ( and my 2 kids and 5 grandkids who are all fit and well) and my inlaws were born and bred here and he worked in the smelters all his life( when it was bad) and he passed away at 80 & M.inlaw at 86 and my brother inlaw has just passed,on and he was 89,
I think they get a bit carried away with the lead problem everywhere. you have to just about eat it to get it in your system,?
was in Esperence a couple of months ago and thought it was great,
Go and enjoy yourself.
Des.

Before mass hysteria is unleashed, have a look at http://www.health.wa.gov.au/envirohealth/hazards/esperance.cfm

There is a lot of info, but it should go along way to put your mind at ease.

If wanting to be precautious, the suggestions above should be followed. Also it is my understanding that most of the lead affected water came from rain water tanks, therefor drink bottled or mains water.

Even if there is 9,000 tnne stored in a shed, unless it was exposed to wind and was being blown about like a two dollar hooker, I would not suspect that it will be a problem, as the issues arised over unsatisfactory loading techniques, and not storage. Also one would think that it would take a substantial amount of time for potentially dangerous levels to build up within ones body, chances of lead poisoning from a short trip would be minimal unless the local fish and chip shop is deep frying the stuff on a stick ;)

Dont miss out on such a beautiful place due to some misinformed scuttlebug, check it out first.

Do not take Esperance off your tour map, it one of the jewels in the coastal places to see and enjoy on the big trip around. I have visited it many times to fish both on shore and by boat and was there during the media announcments of the lead poisonings. Ho hum, I worked as a welder and fitter for years and sucked fumes from fluxes and grinding dust into my lungs. Worked in the petrolium industry for years and took in petrol vapour, LP gas vapour, was firefighter for 16+ years and inhaled all sorts of smoke types (because breathing apperatus was not available or practical). I am paying a price now with the early stages of lung disease but at 66 make the most of it and carry on. Also worked in Wittenoom and on the iron ore mines during construction, drove trucks with no insulation against heat or dust, but I am still here. My point is there are many more natural things that you may get sick from, if you are going to worry about it, don't go out side, seal your self in a container and die wondering.

Mal
I wouldn't worry about it just enjoy youre holiday. I've worked with powdered lead oxide for nearly 20yrs working as a fire assayer in the gold mining industry and had no problems and I was at greater risk than you will ever be.
mike

Have worked with solder weekly for 17 years in circuit board manufacture. (lead in the solder) Always wash my hands after though.
When the lead scare in electronics industry started I decided to ask the GP for specific lead tests while also testing for other things in a blood sample The results showed no significant lead level. So I was pleased with that.
No harm in being informed but the few precautions mentioned mean you can enjoy a brief Holiday there without concern.

Old Mal - Enjoy Esperance, and more still, the magnificent coastline around the area from Hopetoun to Cape Arid. If there was any danger, you would have to live in the town for many years to have any measurable effects - the cause is still unproven anyway.

Don't be put off by any media hype. The south coast is gorgeous and visiting Esperance quite safe.

Motherhen

I recently caught up with some old friends at a 40th birthday, and one couple with twins live in Esperance and came up to Perth for the party.

They have no issue with the lead thingo in Esperance and have absolutely no intention of moving.

As a long term resident of Port Pirie, we have quite a good education program in Pirie, had it drummed into us for years,
I'll pass on these tips for those concerned:

1. Don't drink the rainwater.
2. Wash your hands before you eat.
It's that easy...
Now go and enjoy Esperance.

Hi Mal, As a child I grew up during the Thal/ide, TB, Polio etc era.
Then as a teenager it was the era of hard drugs, STDs, hooning etc. As a young adult and beginning work in the construction industry cutting and grinding asbestos products [unprotected], using 1000s of those old leadhead roofing nails, lead sheet flashings, lots of beer after work, and, taking up smoking.

After settling into an apprenticeship working extensively with lead based products, glass fibres, asbestos products, chemicals etc and then Aids raised its ugly head.

Then comes marriage.....hehehe....[can be very toxic] lol.

Now its potenial brain damage from mobile phones, electo-magnetic fields from appliances, saturated fats, preservatives, you name it.....it'll kill you.

Im a lot more aware these days about the hazzards of modern living and the risks one took in the past, however, I do consider myself lucky to have got this far without any health complications.

You can minimize risk with the right information [plenty of it out there now] and enjoy life ,but in the end, its your physical makeup that dictates how healthy you are.

The only thing that makes me feel sick to the core is some of the diseases that cut young kiddies down well before they have a chance to abuse their bodies.....so very very sad.

Anyway, just my Sunday morning thoughts while im bright eyed with caffine and weazing while a ciggy burns in the ashtray...LOL.

Cheers mate.....Lionel.