Lead is a cheap and useful metal found frequently in the environment and in many products. However, it also has negative impacts on health and the environment due to its toxicity and is no longer a common ingredient.
Lead is still a problem today as it may still exist in and around your home and workplace. These include:
- interior and exterior paint in homes built before 1970
- dust in ceiling cavities, carpets, furniture and in other places where dust tends to accumulate, and in the soil around the home – some of this dust may be from before the 1980s when petrol contained high levels of lead
- fumes from the use of tools such as a heat gun or soldering iron to heat up a lead surface
- water pipes, leadlight windows, PVC products, lead sheeting and paints in various products.
Steps to take if you suspect you have lead in your home:
- Purchase an at-home lead testing kit to confirm if lead is present. These kits are available at most major hardware stores as well as via online retailers.
- Remove contamination by following the EPA and NSW Health's advice. Ensure you wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as a face mask, gloves and eye protection whilst you're at risk of exposure.
- Drop off contaminated waste at one of Council's Community Recycling Centre's or any EPA approved waste facility, where it can be safely disposed of.
- If your job involved lead work, including welding, spray painting, repairing radiators, abrasive blasting and lead-based paint removal, you may like to contact SafeWork NSW to notify of lead risk work or for advice.
- Learn more about lead:
If you wish to make an enquiry or report regarding lead paint on a property, please contact Council below. Please note, Council does not assist with the removal of lead contamination from your home.
Page last updated: 08 Apr 2026