High lead-in-air results in Port Pirie are strongly influenced by north-west to north-east winds.

The strong north/north-west winds blow across the smelter, picking up emissions and lead dust on the way, then deposit them predominantly in the south and south-east areas of the city. This is where the highest proportion of children with elevated blood lead levels live.

The strongest north/north-west winds are most prevalent in winter, so higher lead-in-air results are experienced then. There is also a big difference in wind direction and wind speed during the day and at night.

It's best not to do this on windy days when there may be more dust in the air, nor overnight when moisture may be present (which encourages dust to settle on clothing).

Those who live within Port Pirie are advised not to drink or cook with rainwater, as it can be a source of exposure. Boiling does nothing to reduce the lead contamination; it simply concentrates it. And there is no filter that will filter lead from rainwater tanks.

Rainwater should not be used in the preparation of baby formula, baby foods and/or the sterilization of baby equipment.

The Environmental Health Centre will test your rainwater tank for lead contamination if requested.

Yes, it's certainly safe for children to play outdoors. Personal hygiene – like not letting them put dirty fingers or toys in their mouths – will help minimise any exposure. Regular hand washing as soon as children come indoors, and before they eat, is essential. Washing down outside toys and play equipment also helps to reduce exposure.

• plants, ground covers, grass. There's an enormous choice of suitable and beautiful flowering plants (banksias, boronias, phebalium and pimelia to name just a few), plus acacias, rhodanthe and, of course, any eucalypts or gums.
• natural materials, such as mulch and pine chips, gravel or crusher dust
• man-made substances, like pavers and concrete

When installing any of the above, water them down. And if you'd like advice on the most suitable plants to grow, contact the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden in Port Augusta or visit: www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org

If you have any concerns about lead levels in your soil, contact the Environmental Health Centre on (08) 8638 4100 to discuss those concerns. The Environmental Health Centre can arrange to have your soil tested if it's thought to be necessary.

Yes, it's fine for children to play safely outside, but wise to put baby on a clean rug or blanket when outside. Always make sure hands are thoroughly washed and dried after playing outside.

• By planting plenty of plants, ground covers and grass
• By using natural materials like mulch and pine chips
• By installing man-made substances like pavers and concrete, which can be washed down rather than swept or cleaned with a blower vac.
• Through regular watering

It's recommended you cover sandpits when not in use, not simply to reduce contamination from lead, but also to prevent animals using it as a toilet!

Recommended cover options are reinforced canvas, vinyl or polymesh mesh, also wood. Another easy option is a clam shell which comes with its own lid.

Because Port Pirie is in a Lead Dust Zone, you are allowed to hose off any potential lead dust from your property. For further information and to view other relevant legislation, please visit: http://www.sawater.com.au/sawater/environment/wwm/wwm_overview.htm

Lead can enter the body through ingestion and inhalation. Hand to mouth movements and activities of small children are the primary sources of exposure when they come into contact with lead dust.

Blood lead levels above 10 micrograms per decilitre can interfere with the development of internal organs, in particular the central nervous system.

Babies and young children are particularly affected because their bodies are developing so rapidly.

Intellectual performance and general behaviour appear to be the most common and damaging effects of lead exposure.

The first thing to understand is that your growing baby will be born with exactly the same blood lead level as you have yourself. So it's important to have a test as soon as practicable after being advised that you're pregnant, and then to have another test further into your pregnancy. That way your lead level can be closely monitored.

If your blood lead level is of concern, the Environmental Health Centre and your GP will work through ways to reduce it.

Call the Environmental Health Centre on (08) 8638 4100. Or just drop in and see us.

The amount of testing required will depend on your child's blood lead level, as well as their age. The Environmental Health Centre will be happy to provide you with all the information you need, and will work with you if your child's level is of concern.

Blood lead monitoring is very simple and very quick. It just involves a little prick of the finger.

Shoes can carry lead dust into the house, and onto the carpets and floors. So if you have young children who sometimes play on the floor, it's certainly a good idea to always leave your shoes outside.

Carpet is always a good choice, but the most important thing is that you keep existing floor coverings clean, no matter what they are.

If you're concerned about the level of lead dust in your house, the Environmental Health Centre will be happy to assess the level of risk. In some cases, they'll even clean your carpets for you, or lend you a carpet cleaning machine that you can use yourself.

Preferably, one with a Hepa filter. Many children love to sit on the vacuum cleaner while it's being used. We recommend that you don't allow this as vacuuming causes the dust to rise, so exposing children to increased levels.

In fact it's best to keep children out of the room while you're vacuuming, or at the very least put them in a high chair.

Port Pirie residents are exempt from all State water restrictions. It's more important that you keep dust down in your garden than that you save water.