Lead paint: health risks and management

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause a range of health problems when ingested or inhaled. All forms of lead can be hazardous to your worker’s health and sometimes also to those around your workplace. Lead exposure can potentially cause reproductive issues, hypertension, nerve disorders, and memory and concentration problems.

In December 2017, a new Australian Standard (AS/NZS 4361.2:2017 Guide to hazardous paint management Lead paint in residential, public and commercial buildings) was published for management of lead paint in buildings which saw a major change in the safe concentration standard, which was reduced from 1.0% lead down to 0.1%. The Standard now reflects the paint manufacturing definition of lead-free which has been 0.1% concentration since 1997.