Lead Contamination Detected Near Hobart Zinc Smelter
High levels of lead contamination have been identified in dust samples from suburban areas surrounding Nyrstar's Hobart zinc smelter. Documents obtained by the ABC reveal the century-old facility at Lutana is the state's primary source of airborne lead pollution.
The smelter is estimated to be emitting 600-700 kilograms of lead annually.
Sampling Reveals High Lead Levels
A 16-page report from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), obtained via Right to Information laws, details sampling conducted between December 2024 and June 2025. Dust swabs from 76 public locations in Lutana and eastern shore suburbs (Geilston Bay, Lindisfarne, Rosny, Bellerive, Warrane) were analyzed.
Lead readings ranged from a low of 70 micrograms per square meter (µg/m2) west of the smelter to a high of 48,900 µg/m2 at the Nyrstar site. On the eastern shore, downwind from the smelter, readings varied from 110 µg/m2 to 8,269 µg/m2 in Rose Bay.
Expert Raises Alarm on Elevated Readings
Professor Mark Taylor, an environmental science and human health expert from Macquarie University, described the swab readings as "unacceptably high."
He noted that a threshold of 400 µg/m2 from a single swab justified cleanup efforts during a 2006 lead poisoning incident in Esperance, Western Australia. Professor Taylor cautioned that the current measures are "one-off wipes" and more systematic data collection is needed to assess long-term health risks.
"More systematic data collection is needed to assess long-term health risks," warned Professor Mark Taylor.
Authorities Announce Further Investigations
Following the results, the EPA announced in October that independent consultants would conduct additional environmental monitoring and health risk assessments for affected areas, expected to conclude in mid-2026.
The EPA stated that the presence of lead in these areas has been known for decades, with no reported human health harm in the past 15 years. It concluded that the initial dust results are insufficient to determine if existing risks have changed, necessitating a comprehensive dust deposition monitoring program.
The EPA concluded that initial dust results are "insufficient to determine if existing risks have changed," calling for a comprehensive dust deposition monitoring program.
The Health Department indicated that the ongoing scientific investigation would inform an updated human health risk assessment, including whether community-wide blood testing is required. It currently does not recommend routine community-wide testing, citing previous investigations that found no higher blood lead levels in these communities compared to elsewhere in the state.
Precautionary Measures and Industry Response
Dr. Mark Veitch, director of public health, issued precautionary advice for residents in specific areas, including Lutana and parts of Geilston Bay and Lindisfarne. This advice included simple steps to reduce lead exposure, such as hand washing, lead-safe gardening practices, and testing paint for lead before renovations. The EPA's sampling map indicates elevated readings extend to a larger area, encompassing Lindisfarne, Rosny, and Bellerive.
Residents are advised to take simple steps to reduce lead exposure, including hand washing, lead-safe gardening, and testing paint for lead before renovations.
Nyrstar stated its commitment to minimizing lead emissions at the Hobart smelter, noting ongoing improvements as part of a current three-year plan.
Calls for Stronger Regulation
The Greens' resources spokesperson, Tabatha Badger, expressed community concern and called for stronger lead pollution regulations in Tasmania, aligning with or exceeding national and international standards.