This Decision Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) is the result of Safe Work Australia’s review of the current toxicological information and overseas trends in the regulation of lead in the workplace. It examines options to reduce the adverse health outcomes caused by exposure to lead in the workplace. In line with international...

The issue Some lead compounds are considered to be carcinogens but limited information is available on exposures to lead in Australian workplaces. The study The Australian Work Exposures Study (AWES) asked 5023 workers about common work tasks which could expose them to carcinogens. The AWES data were analysed to provide information on...

The Australian Work Exposures Study (AWES) was a national survey conducted by the Western Australian Institute of Medical Research (WAIMR) in 2011–12 that investigated work-related exposures among Australian workers to 38 known or suspected carcinogens. Some forms of lead are considered to be probable carcinogens and the work...

Lead (CAS 7439-92-1) is a soft, metallic, blue-grey heavy metal. In the workplace, lead may be encountered as a dust or fume in a pure, oxide or salt form. Lead and lead compounds are found in solders, metal alloys, bronzes and construction material, are used as shielding for γ- or X-radiation (from X-rays) and have previously been...