Attitudes to Routine Testing of Blood Lead Levels of Children near a Lead Smelter in North Lake Macquarie

Lead has been recognised as a cause of health and behavioural problems in children. Children living near an active lead smelter are more at risk of environmental lead exposure and should have regular blood lead tests to allow for an early intervention if they are found to have elevated blood lead levels. One method of monitoring children's blood lead levels is to offer a free, annual testing program through local schools and preschool. This paper reports on a self-administered, pencil and paper questionnaire conducted with participating North Lake Macquarie families on their knowledge of the blood lead testing program, satisfaction with the program, and opportunities for improvement. Overall, it found that the blood lead testing program conducted through schools is well accepted in the community with only a few families indicating problem areas to be addressed. Predictors of re-attendance were the offer of anaesthetic cream prior to venipuncture and staff attitudes.