Study Finds Toxic Lead Levels in Children Near Xstrata Mine

Children living in the Australian mining town of Mount Isa, where Xstrata produces four percent of the world's lead, have blood lead levels above World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, according to a new report.

The Queensland State Health Department study, Get Bled for Lead , which examined 400 children, confirmed preliminary findings that identified high blood lead levels.

The study found that 45 children, aged one to four, had lead levels greater than the WHO's recommended safe level of below ten micrograms per decilitre.

Blood lead levels of ten micrograms per decilitre and above can be toxic in children and impair cognitive development.

Xstrata and local and state governments are currently facing legal action from the parents of a six-year-old Mount Isa girl who suffered injuries to her brain and nervous system, allegedly linked to lead exposure from the town's mine, writes Reuters .

Xstrata Mount Isa Mines today issued a statement to say it "welcomes" the release of Queensland Health's report, emphasising its support for the campaign.

"We support the report's recommendations and will work with Queensland Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Mount Isa City Council and the Mount Isa community to continue to ensure the health and safety of everyone in our workplace and the community," says Chief Operating Officer Xstrata Copper North Queensland Steve de Kruijff.

By Ozge Ibrahim