The EPA has engaged independent consultants to undertake environmental monitoring for lead in deposited dust and to conduct human health risk assessments in areas around Hobart's zinc smelter in Lutana and MMG's mine at Rosebery.
Lead is known to be present in the environment in both areas. Previous studies more than 15 years ago that focussed on lead in soil found health harms to communities were not occurring.
It is timely to find out if there is any change to the conclusions of the previous health risk assessments and whether management of dust at each site needs to change.
The additional environmental monitoring commissioned by the EPA will be done in collaboration with Public Health Services at the Department of Health, and WorkSafe Tasmania.
The Department of Health is providing precautionary advice while working with the EPA to determine if there are any changes to the risks to human health in either area.
Map of Lutana and the Eastern Shore
Map of Rosebery
Frequently asked questions
What is happening?
The EPA has engaged independent consultants to undertake environmental monitoring for lead in deposited dust and to conduct human health risk assessments in areas around the Nyrstar zinc smelter in Lutana and MMG's mine at Rosebery.
Lead is known to be present in the environment in both areas. Previous studies more than 15 years ago that focussed on lead in soil found health harms to communities were not occurring.
Initial monitoring and data review undertaken by the EPA found that lead was present in these areas. It is timely to find out if there is any change to the conclusions of the previous health risk assessments and whether management of dust at each site needs to change.
The additional environmental monitoring commissioned by the EPA will be done in collaboration with Public Health Services at the Department of Health, and WorkSafe Tasmania.
What is already known about metals, including lead, in some Tasmanian environments?
Metals, including lead and cadmium, are known to have contaminated some Tasmanian environments near industrial and mining sites.
Two of the known affected areas are Rosebery in the west coast of the state, and Hobart suburbs near the Lutana zinc works.
Why is the EPA reassessing lead in the environment now?
There are numerous factors that have informed the EPA's decision to reassess lead in the environment.
It has been over 15 years since the previous environmental and human health risk assessments so it is timely to ensure that these assessments are consistent with contemporary environmental and human health risk assessment processes.
Lead contamination investigations at Rocherlea in 2024 prompted the EPA to review monitoring methods and data for lead dust emissions from Nyrstar Hobart and MMG Rosebery in Tasmania.
The EPA undertook some initial sampling for lead in dust and reviewed existing monitoring data, commencing December 2024.
Lead was found to be present in deposited dust in locations in Lutana adjacent to the Nyrstar zinc smelter and across the river at some locations on the Eastern Shore, and at Rosebery adjacent to the MMG mine.
What metals are in the dust?
The main metal of concern in the dust is lead, and the advice focuses on lead. Other metals in the dust include cadmium and zinc. Following the advice at Lead and your health (www.health.tas.gov.au) will also reduce personal exposure to other metals from similar sources.
Lead is a known public health risk in both Lutana and Rosebery, with previous studies more than15 years ago identifying increased soil metal levels in some locations around Lutana and Rosebery. Previous risk assessments concluded that health harms to communities in these areas were not occurring.
The EPA has engaged independent consultants to undertake extensive environmental monitoring and human health risk assessments in these areas.
What will the environmental and health risk assessments involve?
The EPA has engaged independent consultants to undertake additional environmental monitoring and health risk assessments for locations in Lutana and nearby Eastern Shore locations, and Rosebery.
The consultants will design and implement comprehensive monitoring programs consistent with contemporary standards to find out if there is any change to the conclusions of previous health risk assessments undertaken more than 15 years ago and whether management of dust at each site needs to change.
What advice is being provided while the reassessments are being done?
The Department of Health is referring the communities in Rosebery and in the Hobart suburbs near the Lutana zinc works to advice at www.health.tas.gov.au/lead
The advice is most important for people who live in these places previously known to have increased metals in their soil.
This advice is similar to the advice previously provided to these communities. The advice is simple, practical and likely to be effective for all people who want to reduce their exposure to metals in the environment, regardless of where they live.
The advice is about measures that will reduce personal exposure to lead in the environment. It will also reduce personal exposure to cadmium and other metals from similar sources.
The advice applies to the Rosebery township.
The advice applies to the Hobart areas described on a map managed by the EPA and includes the residential streets in Lutana closest to the industrial area, and the river-side streets of Geilston Bay and northern Lindisfarne.
Metals have been found more widely in the environment of the Eastern Shore, both in the past and recently. The concentrations of metals in these places are generally lower, further away from the industrial site.
I live in an area that might be affected by lead. What do I need to do?
It is important that members of the community know how they can minimise their exposure to metals in soil or dust. It is important we protect children from exposure to environmental metals.
The key ways to limit potential exposure to lead are to:
- Wash and dry your hands before eating, drinking or smoking.
- Eat regular well-balanced meals, including breakfast. This can help lower how much lead is absorbed, especially by children.
- Be lead safe in the garden – particularly if you grow fruit or vegetables or have poultry.
- Test paint for lead before doing any renovations. Lead tests are available at hardware and paint stores.
For more detailed information about lead and your health visit the Department of Health website at www.health.tas.gov.au/lead or call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
Could I be exposed to lead now?
Most people in Australia will have low levels of lead detectable in their blood, well below a level causing symptoms or harm. Some lead is expected because lead is found throughout the environment. Due to key actions like removing lead from petrol and paint, there is much less lead in most Australian environments than there was a few decades ago.
Recent exposure to lead can be measured by a blood test.
The Department of Health is not currently recommending routine community-wide tests for metals in blood or urine.
The reassessments being done will consider whether such testing is needed to understand human health risk.
You may also discuss any concerns about lead exposure with your general practitioner (GP).
Following the advice at Lead and your health (www.health.tas.gov.au) will also reduce personal exposure to other metals from similar sources.
Soil metal levels have previously been shown to be increased in some locations in these areas.
Previous investigations and risk assessments have concluded that the levels of environmental contamination in these areas were not posing risks to the health of residents.
The EPA and Department of Health previously provided precautionary advice to residents of these areas about what they can do to reduce their exposure to metals in and near their home environment.
Each facility is required to control and minimise dust emissions to surrounding neighbours and the environment. The EPA continues to work with each facility on achieving ongoing reductions in offsite dust migration.
What does this mean for the health of people who work nearby?
The EPA is working with WorkSafe Tasmania to ensure workers at the industrial sites and nearby are protected by measures that manage lead exposure. For more information contact your employer or visit Lead Work or call 1300 366 362.
I think I may have lead dust in my workplace. What do I need to do?
If you think there may be lead dust in the workplace, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and others from potential health hazards.
Employers: have a responsibility and duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of employees and others. More information is available at Lead work.
Employees: have a responsibility and duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, their health and safety and that of others. Check and comply with your employer's lead management site policies. More information is available at Lead work.
Who can I contact for more information?
Environment Protection Authority: www.epa.tas.gov.au/lead or call 0408 212 945
Public Health Hotline: www.health.tas.gov.au/lead or call 1800 671 738
WorkSafe Tasmania: Lead work or call 1300 366 322
More information
The EPA has produced an informative brochure for each area.
Download the brochure for in and around Lutana and nearby Eastern Shore locations.
Download the brochure for Rosebery.
Media statements
Latest Media Statement
Additional environmental monitoring underway at major industrial sites