❓ A parliamentary question regarding lead poisoning in Esperance due to bird deaths and contaminated rainwater, prompting concerns about human health risks and the adequacy of the government's response. The Minister's answer outlines testing and support measures.
AnsweredQoN 43Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
BIRD DEATHS IN ESPERANCE
Thousands of birds in Esperance have died from lead poisoning and local rainwater tanks have been found to have high levels of lead, the likely source of which is the lead carbonate that is stockpiled and exported through the port of Esperance. (1) Why has the chief environmental health officer declared that there is no risk to human health? (2) What basis in evidence is there to make this declaration, given that no public health screening has been undertaken? (3) Does the minister intend to undertake an expanded testing process to check the blood levels in local residents; and, if so, who and where? (4) Why, by the end of last week, had medical practitioners in the town received no memos, briefings or communication regarding the handling of this event? Mr J.A. McGINTY
Thousands of birds in Esperance have died from lead poisoning and local rainwater tanks have been found to have high levels of lead, the likely source of which is the lead carbonate that is stockpiled and exported through the port of Esperance. (1) Why has the chief environmental health officer declared that there is no risk to human health? (2) What basis in evidence is there to make this declaration, given that no public health screening has been undertaken? (3) Does the minister intend to undertake an expanded testing process to check the blood levels in local residents; and, if so, who and where? (4) Why, by the end of last week, had medical practitioners in the town received no memos, briefings or communication regarding the handling of this event? Mr J.A. McGINTY
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(4) I thank the member for Roe for this question, which is a matter of very significant public concern. I share the concern he has expressed in his question. The two groups in the community that are most at risk of lead contamination are children under the age of five years and pregnant women. The lead testing clinic, which has been established at the Esperance District Hospital, will be prioritising its work around those two particular groups and will be encouraging people, through the local media and other information that is released, to take advantage of the lead testing that is available. However, anyone from the Esperance community is entitled to use the service free of charge. There are already 2.5 full-time equivalent phlebotomists in Esperance who are assisting with the blood tests. In addition, today another phlebotomist travelled to Esperance and will begin working at the hospital’s lead-testing clinic on Wednesday, 21 March at 10.30 am. Additional phlebotomists who are required will be provided by the Department of Health in negotiation with PathWest. The lead testing clinic at the hospital will take its first appointment tomorrow morning and will operate between the hours of 8.00 am and 4.00 pm each weekday. Priority will be given to the two classes of people to whom I have already referred. Residents can walk in off the street and be tested, but, given the expected high demand for the testing, residents are encouraged to make an appointment at the clinic. Initially, the clinic will run for three weeks. This estimate will be reviewed and the clinic will be resourced for as long as it is needed by the people of Esperance. The staff at the clinic comprise a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse and an administrative assistant. As an alternative, residents can visit their general practitioner and obtain a pathology request form and undergo a blood lead test by the existing phlebotomy team at the Esperance District Hospital, which includes the two full-time phlebotomists and the half-time phlebotomist to whom I have referred. The expected turn-around time for the blood tests for lead levels is three days. We have arranged for PathWest to conduct extra shifts, if required, to process those samples to bring certainty to the people of Esperance about whether or not they have been contaminated by lead. Rainwater tank testing will be undertaken at no charge to anyone in Esperance who requires it. Two environmental health officers arrived in Esperance this morning. Initially they will remain in Esperance for one week. Beyond that, the amount of time that is required to complete the testing will be reviewed. They will assist the single environmental health officer who is permanently employed at the Shire of Esperance. The Shire of Esperance has advised that three other staff at the shire are also assisting the environmental health officer on this issue. The rainwater tanks thought to be most at risk are those that are located within two kilometres of the port. The testing of those tanks will be made a priority. As of last week, the Shire of Esperance had received 280 requests for rainwater tank testing. They will all be tested, based on the priority I have already indicated, for not only lead, but also nickel exposure. There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
(1) Why has the chief environmental health officer declared that there is no risk to human health? (2) What basis in evidence is there to make this declaration, given that no public health screening has been undertaken? (3) Does the minister intend to undertake an expanded testing process to check the blood levels in local residents; and, if so, who and where? (4) Why, by the end of last week, had medical practitioners in the town received no memos, briefings or communication regarding the handling of this event? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Roe for this question, which is a matter of very significant public concern. I share the concern he has expressed in his question. The two groups in the community that are most at risk of lead contamination are children under the age of five years and pregnant women. The lead testing clinic, which has been established at the Esperance District Hospital, will be prioritising its work around those two particular groups and will be encouraging people, through the local media and other information that is released, to take advantage of the lead testing that is available. However, anyone from the Esperance community is entitled to use the service free of charge. There are already 2.5 full-time equivalent phlebotomists in Esperance who are assisting with the blood tests. In addition, today another phlebotomist travelled to Esperance and will begin working at the hospital’s lead-testing clinic on Wednesday, 21 March at 10.30 am. Additional phlebotomists who are required will be provided by the Department of Health in negotiation with PathWest. The lead testing clinic at the hospital will take its first appointment tomorrow morning and will operate between the hours of 8.00 am and 4.00 pm each weekday. Priority will be given to the two classes of people to whom I have already referred. Residents can walk in off the street and be tested, but, given the expected high demand for the testing, residents are encouraged to make an appointment at the clinic. Initially, the clinic will run for three weeks. This estimate will be reviewed and the clinic will be resourced for as long as it is needed by the people of Esperance. The staff at the clinic comprise a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse and an administrative assistant. As an alternative, residents can visit their general practitioner and obtain a pathology request form and undergo a blood lead test by the existing phlebotomy team at the Esperance District Hospital, which includes the two full-time phlebotomists and the half-time phlebotomist to whom I have referred. The expected turn-around time for the blood tests for lead levels is three days. We have arranged for PathWest to conduct extra shifts, if required, to process those samples to bring certainty to the people of Esperance about whether or not they have been contaminated by lead. Rainwater tank testing will be undertaken at no charge to anyone in Esperance who requires it. Two environmental health officers arrived in Esperance this morning. Initially they will remain in Esperance for one week. Beyond that, the amount of time that is required to complete the testing will be reviewed. They will assist the single environmental health officer who is permanently employed at the Shire of Esperance. The Shire of Esperance has advised that three other staff at the shire are also assisting the environmental health officer on this issue. The rainwater tanks thought to be most at risk are those that are located within two kilometres of the port. The testing of those tanks will be made a priority. As of last week, the Shire of Esperance had received 280 requests for rainwater tank testing. They will all be tested, based on the priority I have already indicated, for not only lead, but also nickel exposure. There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
(2) What basis in evidence is there to make this declaration, given that no public health screening has been undertaken? (3) Does the minister intend to undertake an expanded testing process to check the blood levels in local residents; and, if so, who and where? (4) Why, by the end of last week, had medical practitioners in the town received no memos, briefings or communication regarding the handling of this event? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Roe for this question, which is a matter of very significant public concern. I share the concern he has expressed in his question. The two groups in the community that are most at risk of lead contamination are children under the age of five years and pregnant women. The lead testing clinic, which has been established at the Esperance District Hospital, will be prioritising its work around those two particular groups and will be encouraging people, through the local media and other information that is released, to take advantage of the lead testing that is available. However, anyone from the Esperance community is entitled to use the service free of charge. There are already 2.5 full-time equivalent phlebotomists in Esperance who are assisting with the blood tests. In addition, today another phlebotomist travelled to Esperance and will begin working at the hospital’s lead-testing clinic on Wednesday, 21 March at 10.30 am. Additional phlebotomists who are required will be provided by the Department of Health in negotiation with PathWest. The lead testing clinic at the hospital will take its first appointment tomorrow morning and will operate between the hours of 8.00 am and 4.00 pm each weekday. Priority will be given to the two classes of people to whom I have already referred. Residents can walk in off the street and be tested, but, given the expected high demand for the testing, residents are encouraged to make an appointment at the clinic. Initially, the clinic will run for three weeks. This estimate will be reviewed and the clinic will be resourced for as long as it is needed by the people of Esperance. The staff at the clinic comprise a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse and an administrative assistant. As an alternative, residents can visit their general practitioner and obtain a pathology request form and undergo a blood lead test by the existing phlebotomy team at the Esperance District Hospital, which includes the two full-time phlebotomists and the half-time phlebotomist to whom I have referred. The expected turn-around time for the blood tests for lead levels is three days. We have arranged for PathWest to conduct extra shifts, if required, to process those samples to bring certainty to the people of Esperance about whether or not they have been contaminated by lead. Rainwater tank testing will be undertaken at no charge to anyone in Esperance who requires it. Two environmental health officers arrived in Esperance this morning. Initially they will remain in Esperance for one week. Beyond that, the amount of time that is required to complete the testing will be reviewed. They will assist the single environmental health officer who is permanently employed at the Shire of Esperance. The Shire of Esperance has advised that three other staff at the shire are also assisting the environmental health officer on this issue. The rainwater tanks thought to be most at risk are those that are located within two kilometres of the port. The testing of those tanks will be made a priority. As of last week, the Shire of Esperance had received 280 requests for rainwater tank testing. They will all be tested, based on the priority I have already indicated, for not only lead, but also nickel exposure. There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
(3) Does the minister intend to undertake an expanded testing process to check the blood levels in local residents; and, if so, who and where? (4) Why, by the end of last week, had medical practitioners in the town received no memos, briefings or communication regarding the handling of this event? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Roe for this question, which is a matter of very significant public concern. I share the concern he has expressed in his question. The two groups in the community that are most at risk of lead contamination are children under the age of five years and pregnant women. The lead testing clinic, which has been established at the Esperance District Hospital, will be prioritising its work around those two particular groups and will be encouraging people, through the local media and other information that is released, to take advantage of the lead testing that is available. However, anyone from the Esperance community is entitled to use the service free of charge. There are already 2.5 full-time equivalent phlebotomists in Esperance who are assisting with the blood tests. In addition, today another phlebotomist travelled to Esperance and will begin working at the hospital’s lead-testing clinic on Wednesday, 21 March at 10.30 am. Additional phlebotomists who are required will be provided by the Department of Health in negotiation with PathWest. The lead testing clinic at the hospital will take its first appointment tomorrow morning and will operate between the hours of 8.00 am and 4.00 pm each weekday. Priority will be given to the two classes of people to whom I have already referred. Residents can walk in off the street and be tested, but, given the expected high demand for the testing, residents are encouraged to make an appointment at the clinic. Initially, the clinic will run for three weeks. This estimate will be reviewed and the clinic will be resourced for as long as it is needed by the people of Esperance. The staff at the clinic comprise a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse and an administrative assistant. As an alternative, residents can visit their general practitioner and obtain a pathology request form and undergo a blood lead test by the existing phlebotomy team at the Esperance District Hospital, which includes the two full-time phlebotomists and the half-time phlebotomist to whom I have referred. The expected turn-around time for the blood tests for lead levels is three days. We have arranged for PathWest to conduct extra shifts, if required, to process those samples to bring certainty to the people of Esperance about whether or not they have been contaminated by lead. Rainwater tank testing will be undertaken at no charge to anyone in Esperance who requires it. Two environmental health officers arrived in Esperance this morning. Initially they will remain in Esperance for one week. Beyond that, the amount of time that is required to complete the testing will be reviewed. They will assist the single environmental health officer who is permanently employed at the Shire of Esperance. The Shire of Esperance has advised that three other staff at the shire are also assisting the environmental health officer on this issue. The rainwater tanks thought to be most at risk are those that are located within two kilometres of the port. The testing of those tanks will be made a priority. As of last week, the Shire of Esperance had received 280 requests for rainwater tank testing. They will all be tested, based on the priority I have already indicated, for not only lead, but also nickel exposure. There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
(4) Why, by the end of last week, had medical practitioners in the town received no memos, briefings or communication regarding the handling of this event? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Roe for this question, which is a matter of very significant public concern. I share the concern he has expressed in his question. The two groups in the community that are most at risk of lead contamination are children under the age of five years and pregnant women. The lead testing clinic, which has been established at the Esperance District Hospital, will be prioritising its work around those two particular groups and will be encouraging people, through the local media and other information that is released, to take advantage of the lead testing that is available. However, anyone from the Esperance community is entitled to use the service free of charge. There are already 2.5 full-time equivalent phlebotomists in Esperance who are assisting with the blood tests. In addition, today another phlebotomist travelled to Esperance and will begin working at the hospital’s lead-testing clinic on Wednesday, 21 March at 10.30 am. Additional phlebotomists who are required will be provided by the Department of Health in negotiation with PathWest. The lead testing clinic at the hospital will take its first appointment tomorrow morning and will operate between the hours of 8.00 am and 4.00 pm each weekday. Priority will be given to the two classes of people to whom I have already referred. Residents can walk in off the street and be tested, but, given the expected high demand for the testing, residents are encouraged to make an appointment at the clinic. Initially, the clinic will run for three weeks. This estimate will be reviewed and the clinic will be resourced for as long as it is needed by the people of Esperance. The staff at the clinic comprise a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse and an administrative assistant. As an alternative, residents can visit their general practitioner and obtain a pathology request form and undergo a blood lead test by the existing phlebotomy team at the Esperance District Hospital, which includes the two full-time phlebotomists and the half-time phlebotomist to whom I have referred. The expected turn-around time for the blood tests for lead levels is three days. We have arranged for PathWest to conduct extra shifts, if required, to process those samples to bring certainty to the people of Esperance about whether or not they have been contaminated by lead. Rainwater tank testing will be undertaken at no charge to anyone in Esperance who requires it. Two environmental health officers arrived in Esperance this morning. Initially they will remain in Esperance for one week. Beyond that, the amount of time that is required to complete the testing will be reviewed. They will assist the single environmental health officer who is permanently employed at the Shire of Esperance. The Shire of Esperance has advised that three other staff at the shire are also assisting the environmental health officer on this issue. The rainwater tanks thought to be most at risk are those that are located within two kilometres of the port. The testing of those tanks will be made a priority. As of last week, the Shire of Esperance had received 280 requests for rainwater tank testing. They will all be tested, based on the priority I have already indicated, for not only lead, but also nickel exposure. There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Roe for this question, which is a matter of very significant public concern. I share the concern he has expressed in his question. The two groups in the community that are most at risk of lead contamination are children under the age of five years and pregnant women. The lead testing clinic, which has been established at the Esperance District Hospital, will be prioritising its work around those two particular groups and will be encouraging people, through the local media and other information that is released, to take advantage of the lead testing that is available. However, anyone from the Esperance community is entitled to use the service free of charge. There are already 2.5 full-time equivalent phlebotomists in Esperance who are assisting with the blood tests. In addition, today another phlebotomist travelled to Esperance and will begin working at the hospital’s lead-testing clinic on Wednesday, 21 March at 10.30 am. Additional phlebotomists who are required will be provided by the Department of Health in negotiation with PathWest. The lead testing clinic at the hospital will take its first appointment tomorrow morning and will operate between the hours of 8.00 am and 4.00 pm each weekday. Priority will be given to the two classes of people to whom I have already referred. Residents can walk in off the street and be tested, but, given the expected high demand for the testing, residents are encouraged to make an appointment at the clinic. Initially, the clinic will run for three weeks. This estimate will be reviewed and the clinic will be resourced for as long as it is needed by the people of Esperance. The staff at the clinic comprise a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse and an administrative assistant. As an alternative, residents can visit their general practitioner and obtain a pathology request form and undergo a blood lead test by the existing phlebotomy team at the Esperance District Hospital, which includes the two full-time phlebotomists and the half-time phlebotomist to whom I have referred. The expected turn-around time for the blood tests for lead levels is three days. We have arranged for PathWest to conduct extra shifts, if required, to process those samples to bring certainty to the people of Esperance about whether or not they have been contaminated by lead. Rainwater tank testing will be undertaken at no charge to anyone in Esperance who requires it. Two environmental health officers arrived in Esperance this morning. Initially they will remain in Esperance for one week. Beyond that, the amount of time that is required to complete the testing will be reviewed. They will assist the single environmental health officer who is permanently employed at the Shire of Esperance. The Shire of Esperance has advised that three other staff at the shire are also assisting the environmental health officer on this issue. The rainwater tanks thought to be most at risk are those that are located within two kilometres of the port. The testing of those tanks will be made a priority. As of last week, the Shire of Esperance had received 280 requests for rainwater tank testing. They will all be tested, based on the priority I have already indicated, for not only lead, but also nickel exposure. There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
(1)-(4) I thank the member for Roe for this question, which is a matter of very significant public concern. I share the concern he has expressed in his question. The two groups in the community that are most at risk of lead contamination are children under the age of five years and pregnant women. The lead testing clinic, which has been established at the Esperance District Hospital, will be prioritising its work around those two particular groups and will be encouraging people, through the local media and other information that is released, to take advantage of the lead testing that is available. However, anyone from the Esperance community is entitled to use the service free of charge. There are already 2.5 full-time equivalent phlebotomists in Esperance who are assisting with the blood tests. In addition, today another phlebotomist travelled to Esperance and will begin working at the hospital’s lead-testing clinic on Wednesday, 21 March at 10.30 am. Additional phlebotomists who are required will be provided by the Department of Health in negotiation with PathWest. The lead testing clinic at the hospital will take its first appointment tomorrow morning and will operate between the hours of 8.00 am and 4.00 pm each weekday. Priority will be given to the two classes of people to whom I have already referred. Residents can walk in off the street and be tested, but, given the expected high demand for the testing, residents are encouraged to make an appointment at the clinic. Initially, the clinic will run for three weeks. This estimate will be reviewed and the clinic will be resourced for as long as it is needed by the people of Esperance. The staff at the clinic comprise a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse and an administrative assistant. As an alternative, residents can visit their general practitioner and obtain a pathology request form and undergo a blood lead test by the existing phlebotomy team at the Esperance District Hospital, which includes the two full-time phlebotomists and the half-time phlebotomist to whom I have referred. The expected turn-around time for the blood tests for lead levels is three days. We have arranged for PathWest to conduct extra shifts, if required, to process those samples to bring certainty to the people of Esperance about whether or not they have been contaminated by lead. Rainwater tank testing will be undertaken at no charge to anyone in Esperance who requires it. Two environmental health officers arrived in Esperance this morning. Initially they will remain in Esperance for one week. Beyond that, the amount of time that is required to complete the testing will be reviewed. They will assist the single environmental health officer who is permanently employed at the Shire of Esperance. The Shire of Esperance has advised that three other staff at the shire are also assisting the environmental health officer on this issue. The rainwater tanks thought to be most at risk are those that are located within two kilometres of the port. The testing of those tanks will be made a priority. As of last week, the Shire of Esperance had received 280 requests for rainwater tank testing. They will all be tested, based on the priority I have already indicated, for not only lead, but also nickel exposure. There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
(1) Why has the chief environmental health officer declared that there is no risk to human health? (2) What basis in evidence is there to make this declaration, given that no public health screening has been undertaken? (3) Does the minister intend to undertake an expanded testing process to check the blood levels in local residents; and, if so, who and where? (4) Why, by the end of last week, had medical practitioners in the town received no memos, briefings or communication regarding the handling of this event? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Roe for this question, which is a matter of very significant public concern. I share the concern he has expressed in his question. The two groups in the community that are most at risk of lead contamination are children under the age of five years and pregnant women. The lead testing clinic, which has been established at the Esperance District Hospital, will be prioritising its work around those two particular groups and will be encouraging people, through the local media and other information that is released, to take advantage of the lead testing that is available. However, anyone from the Esperance community is entitled to use the service free of charge. There are already 2.5 full-time equivalent phlebotomists in Esperance who are assisting with the blood tests. In addition, today another phlebotomist travelled to Esperance and will begin working at the hospital’s lead-testing clinic on Wednesday, 21 March at 10.30 am. Additional phlebotomists who are required will be provided by the Department of Health in negotiation with PathWest. The lead testing clinic at the hospital will take its first appointment tomorrow morning and will operate between the hours of 8.00 am and 4.00 pm each weekday. Priority will be given to the two classes of people to whom I have already referred. Residents can walk in off the street and be tested, but, given the expected high demand for the testing, residents are encouraged to make an appointment at the clinic. Initially, the clinic will run for three weeks. This estimate will be reviewed and the clinic will be resourced for as long as it is needed by the people of Esperance. The staff at the clinic comprise a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse and an administrative assistant. As an alternative, residents can visit their general practitioner and obtain a pathology request form and undergo a blood lead test by the existing phlebotomy team at the Esperance District Hospital, which includes the two full-time phlebotomists and the half-time phlebotomist to whom I have referred. The expected turn-around time for the blood tests for lead levels is three days. We have arranged for PathWest to conduct extra shifts, if required, to process those samples to bring certainty to the people of Esperance about whether or not they have been contaminated by lead. Rainwater tank testing will be undertaken at no charge to anyone in Esperance who requires it. Two environmental health officers arrived in Esperance this morning. Initially they will remain in Esperance for one week. Beyond that, the amount of time that is required to complete the testing will be reviewed. They will assist the single environmental health officer who is permanently employed at the Shire of Esperance. The Shire of Esperance has advised that three other staff at the shire are also assisting the environmental health officer on this issue. The rainwater tanks thought to be most at risk are those that are located within two kilometres of the port. The testing of those tanks will be made a priority. As of last week, the Shire of Esperance had received 280 requests for rainwater tank testing. They will all be tested, based on the priority I have already indicated, for not only lead, but also nickel exposure. There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
(2) What basis in evidence is there to make this declaration, given that no public health screening has been undertaken? (3) Does the minister intend to undertake an expanded testing process to check the blood levels in local residents; and, if so, who and where? (4) Why, by the end of last week, had medical practitioners in the town received no memos, briefings or communication regarding the handling of this event? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Roe for this question, which is a matter of very significant public concern. I share the concern he has expressed in his question. The two groups in the community that are most at risk of lead contamination are children under the age of five years and pregnant women. The lead testing clinic, which has been established at the Esperance District Hospital, will be prioritising its work around those two particular groups and will be encouraging people, through the local media and other information that is released, to take advantage of the lead testing that is available. However, anyone from the Esperance community is entitled to use the service free of charge. There are already 2.5 full-time equivalent phlebotomists in Esperance who are assisting with the blood tests. In addition, today another phlebotomist travelled to Esperance and will begin working at the hospital’s lead-testing clinic on Wednesday, 21 March at 10.30 am. Additional phlebotomists who are required will be provided by the Department of Health in negotiation with PathWest. The lead testing clinic at the hospital will take its first appointment tomorrow morning and will operate between the hours of 8.00 am and 4.00 pm each weekday. Priority will be given to the two classes of people to whom I have already referred. Residents can walk in off the street and be tested, but, given the expected high demand for the testing, residents are encouraged to make an appointment at the clinic. Initially, the clinic will run for three weeks. This estimate will be reviewed and the clinic will be resourced for as long as it is needed by the people of Esperance. The staff at the clinic comprise a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse and an administrative assistant. As an alternative, residents can visit their general practitioner and obtain a pathology request form and undergo a blood lead test by the existing phlebotomy team at the Esperance District Hospital, which includes the two full-time phlebotomists and the half-time phlebotomist to whom I have referred. The expected turn-around time for the blood tests for lead levels is three days. We have arranged for PathWest to conduct extra shifts, if required, to process those samples to bring certainty to the people of Esperance about whether or not they have been contaminated by lead. Rainwater tank testing will be undertaken at no charge to anyone in Esperance who requires it. Two environmental health officers arrived in Esperance this morning. Initially they will remain in Esperance for one week. Beyond that, the amount of time that is required to complete the testing will be reviewed. They will assist the single environmental health officer who is permanently employed at the Shire of Esperance. The Shire of Esperance has advised that three other staff at the shire are also assisting the environmental health officer on this issue. The rainwater tanks thought to be most at risk are those that are located within two kilometres of the port. The testing of those tanks will be made a priority. As of last week, the Shire of Esperance had received 280 requests for rainwater tank testing. They will all be tested, based on the priority I have already indicated, for not only lead, but also nickel exposure. There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
(3) Does the minister intend to undertake an expanded testing process to check the blood levels in local residents; and, if so, who and where? (4) Why, by the end of last week, had medical practitioners in the town received no memos, briefings or communication regarding the handling of this event? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Roe for this question, which is a matter of very significant public concern. I share the concern he has expressed in his question. The two groups in the community that are most at risk of lead contamination are children under the age of five years and pregnant women. The lead testing clinic, which has been established at the Esperance District Hospital, will be prioritising its work around those two particular groups and will be encouraging people, through the local media and other information that is released, to take advantage of the lead testing that is available. However, anyone from the Esperance community is entitled to use the service free of charge. There are already 2.5 full-time equivalent phlebotomists in Esperance who are assisting with the blood tests. In addition, today another phlebotomist travelled to Esperance and will begin working at the hospital’s lead-testing clinic on Wednesday, 21 March at 10.30 am. Additional phlebotomists who are required will be provided by the Department of Health in negotiation with PathWest. The lead testing clinic at the hospital will take its first appointment tomorrow morning and will operate between the hours of 8.00 am and 4.00 pm each weekday. Priority will be given to the two classes of people to whom I have already referred. Residents can walk in off the street and be tested, but, given the expected high demand for the testing, residents are encouraged to make an appointment at the clinic. Initially, the clinic will run for three weeks. This estimate will be reviewed and the clinic will be resourced for as long as it is needed by the people of Esperance. The staff at the clinic comprise a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse and an administrative assistant. As an alternative, residents can visit their general practitioner and obtain a pathology request form and undergo a blood lead test by the existing phlebotomy team at the Esperance District Hospital, which includes the two full-time phlebotomists and the half-time phlebotomist to whom I have referred. The expected turn-around time for the blood tests for lead levels is three days. We have arranged for PathWest to conduct extra shifts, if required, to process those samples to bring certainty to the people of Esperance about whether or not they have been contaminated by lead. Rainwater tank testing will be undertaken at no charge to anyone in Esperance who requires it. Two environmental health officers arrived in Esperance this morning. Initially they will remain in Esperance for one week. Beyond that, the amount of time that is required to complete the testing will be reviewed. They will assist the single environmental health officer who is permanently employed at the Shire of Esperance. The Shire of Esperance has advised that three other staff at the shire are also assisting the environmental health officer on this issue. The rainwater tanks thought to be most at risk are those that are located within two kilometres of the port. The testing of those tanks will be made a priority. As of last week, the Shire of Esperance had received 280 requests for rainwater tank testing. They will all be tested, based on the priority I have already indicated, for not only lead, but also nickel exposure. There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
(4) Why, by the end of last week, had medical practitioners in the town received no memos, briefings or communication regarding the handling of this event? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Roe for this question, which is a matter of very significant public concern. I share the concern he has expressed in his question. The two groups in the community that are most at risk of lead contamination are children under the age of five years and pregnant women. The lead testing clinic, which has been established at the Esperance District Hospital, will be prioritising its work around those two particular groups and will be encouraging people, through the local media and other information that is released, to take advantage of the lead testing that is available. However, anyone from the Esperance community is entitled to use the service free of charge. There are already 2.5 full-time equivalent phlebotomists in Esperance who are assisting with the blood tests. In addition, today another phlebotomist travelled to Esperance and will begin working at the hospital’s lead-testing clinic on Wednesday, 21 March at 10.30 am. Additional phlebotomists who are required will be provided by the Department of Health in negotiation with PathWest. The lead testing clinic at the hospital will take its first appointment tomorrow morning and will operate between the hours of 8.00 am and 4.00 pm each weekday. Priority will be given to the two classes of people to whom I have already referred. Residents can walk in off the street and be tested, but, given the expected high demand for the testing, residents are encouraged to make an appointment at the clinic. Initially, the clinic will run for three weeks. This estimate will be reviewed and the clinic will be resourced for as long as it is needed by the people of Esperance. The staff at the clinic comprise a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse and an administrative assistant. As an alternative, residents can visit their general practitioner and obtain a pathology request form and undergo a blood lead test by the existing phlebotomy team at the Esperance District Hospital, which includes the two full-time phlebotomists and the half-time phlebotomist to whom I have referred. The expected turn-around time for the blood tests for lead levels is three days. We have arranged for PathWest to conduct extra shifts, if required, to process those samples to bring certainty to the people of Esperance about whether or not they have been contaminated by lead. Rainwater tank testing will be undertaken at no charge to anyone in Esperance who requires it. Two environmental health officers arrived in Esperance this morning. Initially they will remain in Esperance for one week. Beyond that, the amount of time that is required to complete the testing will be reviewed. They will assist the single environmental health officer who is permanently employed at the Shire of Esperance. The Shire of Esperance has advised that three other staff at the shire are also assisting the environmental health officer on this issue. The rainwater tanks thought to be most at risk are those that are located within two kilometres of the port. The testing of those tanks will be made a priority. As of last week, the Shire of Esperance had received 280 requests for rainwater tank testing. They will all be tested, based on the priority I have already indicated, for not only lead, but also nickel exposure. There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for Roe for this question, which is a matter of very significant public concern. I share the concern he has expressed in his question. The two groups in the community that are most at risk of lead contamination are children under the age of five years and pregnant women. The lead testing clinic, which has been established at the Esperance District Hospital, will be prioritising its work around those two particular groups and will be encouraging people, through the local media and other information that is released, to take advantage of the lead testing that is available. However, anyone from the Esperance community is entitled to use the service free of charge. There are already 2.5 full-time equivalent phlebotomists in Esperance who are assisting with the blood tests. In addition, today another phlebotomist travelled to Esperance and will begin working at the hospital’s lead-testing clinic on Wednesday, 21 March at 10.30 am. Additional phlebotomists who are required will be provided by the Department of Health in negotiation with PathWest. The lead testing clinic at the hospital will take its first appointment tomorrow morning and will operate between the hours of 8.00 am and 4.00 pm each weekday. Priority will be given to the two classes of people to whom I have already referred. Residents can walk in off the street and be tested, but, given the expected high demand for the testing, residents are encouraged to make an appointment at the clinic. Initially, the clinic will run for three weeks. This estimate will be reviewed and the clinic will be resourced for as long as it is needed by the people of Esperance. The staff at the clinic comprise a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse and an administrative assistant. As an alternative, residents can visit their general practitioner and obtain a pathology request form and undergo a blood lead test by the existing phlebotomy team at the Esperance District Hospital, which includes the two full-time phlebotomists and the half-time phlebotomist to whom I have referred. The expected turn-around time for the blood tests for lead levels is three days. We have arranged for PathWest to conduct extra shifts, if required, to process those samples to bring certainty to the people of Esperance about whether or not they have been contaminated by lead. Rainwater tank testing will be undertaken at no charge to anyone in Esperance who requires it. Two environmental health officers arrived in Esperance this morning. Initially they will remain in Esperance for one week. Beyond that, the amount of time that is required to complete the testing will be reviewed. They will assist the single environmental health officer who is permanently employed at the Shire of Esperance. The Shire of Esperance has advised that three other staff at the shire are also assisting the environmental health officer on this issue. The rainwater tanks thought to be most at risk are those that are located within two kilometres of the port. The testing of those tanks will be made a priority. As of last week, the Shire of Esperance had received 280 requests for rainwater tank testing. They will all be tested, based on the priority I have already indicated, for not only lead, but also nickel exposure. There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
(1)-(4) I thank the member for Roe for this question, which is a matter of very significant public concern. I share the concern he has expressed in his question. The two groups in the community that are most at risk of lead contamination are children under the age of five years and pregnant women. The lead testing clinic, which has been established at the Esperance District Hospital, will be prioritising its work around those two particular groups and will be encouraging people, through the local media and other information that is released, to take advantage of the lead testing that is available. However, anyone from the Esperance community is entitled to use the service free of charge. There are already 2.5 full-time equivalent phlebotomists in Esperance who are assisting with the blood tests. In addition, today another phlebotomist travelled to Esperance and will begin working at the hospital’s lead-testing clinic on Wednesday, 21 March at 10.30 am. Additional phlebotomists who are required will be provided by the Department of Health in negotiation with PathWest. The lead testing clinic at the hospital will take its first appointment tomorrow morning and will operate between the hours of 8.00 am and 4.00 pm each weekday. Priority will be given to the two classes of people to whom I have already referred. Residents can walk in off the street and be tested, but, given the expected high demand for the testing, residents are encouraged to make an appointment at the clinic. Initially, the clinic will run for three weeks. This estimate will be reviewed and the clinic will be resourced for as long as it is needed by the people of Esperance. The staff at the clinic comprise a registered nurse, an enrolled nurse and an administrative assistant. As an alternative, residents can visit their general practitioner and obtain a pathology request form and undergo a blood lead test by the existing phlebotomy team at the Esperance District Hospital, which includes the two full-time phlebotomists and the half-time phlebotomist to whom I have referred. The expected turn-around time for the blood tests for lead levels is three days. We have arranged for PathWest to conduct extra shifts, if required, to process those samples to bring certainty to the people of Esperance about whether or not they have been contaminated by lead. Rainwater tank testing will be undertaken at no charge to anyone in Esperance who requires it. Two environmental health officers arrived in Esperance this morning. Initially they will remain in Esperance for one week. Beyond that, the amount of time that is required to complete the testing will be reviewed. They will assist the single environmental health officer who is permanently employed at the Shire of Esperance. The Shire of Esperance has advised that three other staff at the shire are also assisting the environmental health officer on this issue. The rainwater tanks thought to be most at risk are those that are located within two kilometres of the port. The testing of those tanks will be made a priority. As of last week, the Shire of Esperance had received 280 requests for rainwater tank testing. They will all be tested, based on the priority I have already indicated, for not only lead, but also nickel exposure. There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
There is growing concern here. The Department of Health has drafted information kits, which it aims to have posted on the website by Friday, 23 March. Updated question and answer sheets on both nickel and lead were finalised yesterday and also now appear on the Department of Health website. Not only lead, but also nickel is a serious concern. I am advised that biological testing for nickel is complex and difficult to interpret. The most likely pathways for exposure of the human population to nickel include nickel dust in the air and the drinking of contaminated rainwater. Environmental monitoring is the quickest and most reliable method of testing, and this is occurring through the rainwater tank-testing program. All rainwater tank samples will undergo a broad screening that includes tests for both lead and nickel. The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
The Department of Health has also undertaken to review honey testing in the region to determine whether lead and nickel are affecting honey. Exposure to elevated levels of nickel will result in skin irritations and more frequent asthma attacks for people who are sensitive to nickel. The next shipment of nickel from the Esperance port is scheduled for Sunday, 25 March. The Department of Environment and Conservation has established an ambient air monitor for the port, which is monitoring for both lead and nickel. We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
We all share the concern expressed by the member for Roe about the situation in Esperance. We will do everything that is necessary as a government to protect the health and the concerns about the health of the people of Esperance. I invite the member for Roe to bring to me or the department any suggestions for ways in which we can improve the response in providing assistance to the people of Esperance, and we will act on them. I ask the member for Roe to convey to the people of Esperance our ongoing very serious concerns and our determination to ensure that no stone is left unturned in dealing with this problem.
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