A new report confirms that the source of lead poisoning among children in Mount Isa in Queensland is the Xstrata mine. But the government has continued to ignore the truth.
Researcher Mark Taylor told ABC there’s no question about it. Lead found in dust, soil and aerosols in Mount Isa have Xstrata mine’s distinct chemical signature, and 11% of the area‘s children show dangerously elevated levels.
But officials that the high lead levels are caused by natural deposits nearby and claims the area remains a safe place to live and work. Authorities have the audacity to suggest residents can deal with the poisoning by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle and keeping a “clean home,” knowing there’s no way to keep airborne lead from contaminating the air inside and out.
Because even low-level lead exposures can cause irreversible brain damage in children, immediate action is needed.
Tell Queensland to step in to save Mount Isa children from Xstrata’s lead poisoning.
We, the undersigned, find it disturbing that the government of Queensland would take so little interest in protecting its children from irreversible brain damage.
It's response to Taylor's research is just another example of an irresponsible stance on lead pollution. Mayor Tony McGrady's attitude toward Taylor's solid research results is dismissive to the point of raising suspicion for his motives.
His contention that Mount Isa's Living with Lead Alliance's suggestions for putting up with lead poisoning will suffice or that there's even a Living with Lead Alliance in the first place, rather than an elimination of lead alliance, is absurd - but it speaks volumes about the mindset responsible for the lives of this poisoned population.
We request that Queensland take Taylor's recommendation seriously and act at once to reduce these lead levels and stop trying to ignore the truth about the source of Mount Isa's lead pollution.
Thanks for your time.
