Lead levels among children in South Australia's Port Pirie reach decade high

Health department finds sharp increase in levels of lead among children in the town - home to one of world's largest lead refineries

Lead in the blood of children living in the South Australian town of Port Pirie has reached the highest level in a decade, with a sharp uptick in concentrations recorded during 2020.

The town of 15,000 people is home to one of the world's largest primary lead refineries, which has been in continuous operation since 1889 and serves as the town's main employer.