Plumbing the depths of lead contamination in coastal Otago drinking water supply

+News

Plumbing the depths of lead contamination in coastal Otago drinking water supply

Guest Writer

Guest Writer

Water-tap
Water pipes with lead joints are now being replaced in coastal Otago settlements

Occupational health expert David McBride attempts to pin down the source of increased lead levels found recently in the water supply of some coastal Otago settlements, and discusses the effects lead exposure may have on children

Key points, Identifying the source of lead in coastal Otago drinking water has been difficult due the raft of potential contributing factors, including mining, il
References
  1. Silva PA, Hughes P, Williams S, et al. Blood lead, intelligence, reading attainment, and behaviour in eleven year old children in Dunedin, New Zealand. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 1988;29(1):43–52.
  2. Reuben A, Caspi A, Belsky DW, et al. Association of childhood blood lead levels with cognitive function and socioeconomic status at age 38 years and with IQ change and socioeconomic mobility between childhood and adulthood. JAMA 2017;317(12):1244–51.
  3. Ministry of Health. The environmental case management of lead-exposed persons: Guidelines for public health units. Wellington, NZ: Ministry of Health; 2021. https://bit.ly/3sq9Jl8