TLAP in Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia | Community

TLAP

Locality: Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia

Phone: +61 428 925 029

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25.01.2022 GREEN UP TO KEEP DUST DOWN The spring rain and warm temperatures make now the perfect time to do some planting to green up our yards and help keep the dust down. Our TLAP Green Team, Jono and Harley, grow native plants in our nursery for TLAP and Port Pirie Regional Council greening projects. Right now, the Eremophilas (also known as Emu Bush and Poverty Bush) are flowering violet, red and yellow.... Eremophilas are a great choice for our home gardens as they grow in our arid climate and relatively poor soils. This species has groundcovers, shrubs, large bushes and several tree varieties. Groundcovers can be grown over areas of exposed dust and dirt. Trees planted around a fence line and shrubs near outdoor living areas can act as a 'green screen' to windblown dust. Eremophilas are available locally and from the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens in Port Augusta. Once you're done digging in the garden, remember our TLAP Tips: leave your gardening shoes outside, change out of your gardening clothes and wash your hands. HAPPY GARDENING!

24.01.2022 STOP DUST & DIRT AT THE DOOR TLAP supply Port Pirie’s childcare centres with sticky door mats. The sticky surface removes dust and dirt from shoes as children and their carers enter the playrooms. Each day the top layer of the sticky door mat is peeled off and thrown away, leaving the mat refreshed and ready for another day of collecting dust and dirt carried in on footwear. Using door mats and taking our shoes off at the door as we enter our homes can greatly reduce the r...isk of lead contaminated dust and dirt being brought inside. We can stop dust and dirt at the door and keep it off our floors where children sit and play by: Taking our shoes off at the door and storing them in a box by the door. Using doormats at our front and back doors and cleaning or replacing the mats regularly. Damp mopping or vacuuming floors. For more tips on keeping you and your family ‘Lead Safe’ visit the TLAP website. https://tlap.com.au/information-for-families/

24.01.2022 IS YOUR WATER TANK FILLING UP? In Port Pirie we should assume that all our rainwater contains varying levels of Lead. Please DONT USE rainwater for:... Drinking Cooking Brushing your teeth Watering fruit and veg in your garden. We CAN SAFELY USE rainwater to: Water non-edible gardens and irrigate lawns; Hose down dusty outdoor hard surfaces such as paved pathways, cement driveways and verandas; Flush toilets; Bath and shower as our skin doesnt absorb Lead very well. Just make sure that you and the kids dont drink the bath/shower water! Lead dust from roofs and gutters can settle in tanks and increase Lead levels of the water. Lead levels in tank water will vary depending on the age of the house and tank, the type of tank, its maintenance, the collection surface, and the location of the house in relation to the smelter and the railway line. For more information on rainwater tanks in Port Pirie click through to this fact sheet put out by our friends at SA Health. https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//Port%2BPirie%2BRainwater%2

23.01.2022 SPRING HAS SPRUNG. Are your kids now enjoying more time playing in the backyard? Check out these tips on how to reduce exposure to contaminated dust in your yard.

23.01.2022 CHECK THIS OUT: Nyrstars New Environmental Reporting Website Visit their new COMMUNITY CONSULTATION website for:... Real time data on air quality Reporting Current notifications and Stories on site initiatives improving environmental performance Nyrstar welcomes you to report any environmental incidents or emissions that you observe or experience. Ring the Community Phone Number on 8638 1500. And remember to visit our TLAP website for tips on how to keep blood lead levels low. https://tlap.com.au/information-for-families/

22.01.2022 TIDY TOYS How nice to be this organised! This is the toy storage room used by the Learning Together At Home team. Tiffany knows that toys left lying around on the floor and sitting out on shelves can quickly gather dust that may contain lead. This dust can get onto little hands and into mouths during play. So Tiffany and her colleagues keep their toys clean and tidy. They wash used toys, let them dry and store them away in boxes between play visits with families. ... Tips for toys at home: Store toys in a couple of lidded toy boxes or pop them away in a cupboard to reduce the risk of lead contaminated dust settling on them. Get the kids to help-out. Every so often wash hard toys in a tub of soapy water and leave them to dry on the kitchen sink. When the sun is shining, wash soft toys in the washing machine and hang them out to dry out of the wind. Ensure outside toys remain outside and are wet-wiped or hosed off before each use. Best practice is to use toys for either outdoor or indoor purposes - not both. Happy playing!

21.01.2022 FREE GOODIE BAGS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED - NOW AVAILABLE AT FOODHUB AND COMMUNITY CENTRE - not the TLAP Community Van. As of tomorrow you will be able to get your Free Goodie Food and Fun bag from Foodhub in Florence Street, or the Community Centre at 28 Symonds Street, Port Pirie. The Goodie Bags will be available up until May 15th from these 2 locations.

21.01.2022 COME SEE THE CHANGE OF A POWER CLEAN The TLAP Cleaning Team recently power cleaned Come See Change signage along the Three Chain Road overpass. Washed free of built-up dust and dirt, the signs are now looking fresh and bright again. The cleaning was done in collaboration with Port Pirie Regional Council. TLAP use RO (Reverse Osmosis) water for cleaning jobs. ... If you have shade cloth, outdoor blinds or pergolas at home give them a regular wash down to remove any trapped dust and dirt. Some spray on detergent and a light scrub helps free the dirt for a more thorough clean. Hose dirty water run-off from concrete or pavers into nearby garden beds or drains. Using a high-pressure hose for outdoor cleaning jobs will reduce your water consumption. Puddled water can be swept away with an outdoor broom into garden beds and drains. Thanks Cleaning Team!

20.01.2022 FRESH FRUIT TO GO Lincoln and Bodie help out at Port Pirie West Primary Schools weekly Breakfast Club. They bag fresh fruit for kids to eat at recess and lunch. Fruits are a good source of vitamins and dietary fibre. They play a role in growing and maintaining a strong and healthy body and, importantly, they work to help reduce our bodys absorption of lead.... Bodie volunteers at Breakfast Club as he, likes to see kids having breakfast and being happy. Lincoln said, its fun serving the kids and joining in. Breakfast Club student helpers put out soap and towels for hand washing, wash and prepare fruit and serve hot toast to their school mates. The schools Breakfast Club is supported by TLAPs Nutrition and Hygiene Program. Click on this link for more TLAP tips on keeping our children healthy and their blood lead levels low. https://tlap.com.au/information-for-families/

20.01.2022 WEVE GOT IT COVERED. TLAPs Cleaning and Greening Team have been out spraying Dust Check over a large vacant block on Warnertown Road. Residents approached Port Pirie Regional Council concerned about dust and dirt from the neighbouring block blowing onto their properties and into their homes. Dust Check is a plant-based fibre that the TLAP team mix with water and then spray to cover areas of exposed dirt. Its pretty sticky and dries to form a seal over the dirt. TLAP used ...it to cover 2000 square meters of exposed dirt on the vacant block. To reduce the amount of dust and dirt blowing around your yard and into your neighbours: Cover exposed dirt with mulch or hardy ground cover plants. Grow trees and hedges around your fence line. These act as a wind break trapping dust and sheltering your yard. And remember on windy days shut windows and doors to stop dust from entering your home.

19.01.2022 Are you expecting a new little one? Its important to know your blood lead level during pregnancy In Port Pirie, it is recommended that all pregnant women... have a blood lead test. Check out the Environmental Health Centres pregnancy clip to find out more. For more information, visit www.sahealth.gov.au/EHC or contact (08) 8638 4100

18.01.2022 PAINTING OR RENOVATING? BE LEAD PAINT AWARE Prior to the mid-1970's, paint used on the exterior and interior of many homes and buildings contained high levels of lead. Lead was used in paint as an effective colour pigment and it made paint tough and durable.... However, lead-based paint can become a significant health problem when it deteriorates or is damaged or disturbed. It can enter our bodies as we breathe in fumes and small particles or swallow paint flakes or dust. Before you start painting and renovating check out these resources. https://www.environment.gov.au//lead-paint-fifth-edition.p https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//Fact+Sheet+-+Lead-based+pa Copies of these resource are also available from the Environmental Health Centre @ 117 Gertrude Street, Port Pirie

18.01.2022 GOING DOWN THE DRAIN FOR GOOD! Port Pirie Community Kindergarten are very happy with the new concrete drain installed in their play area by Jake from Lucivero Plumbing. Kindy Director Emma Thompson-Wilton, says now when the outdoor area is hosed down, the run-off goes underground and away from the play area. ... TLAP has been working with Port Piries kindergartens and childcare centres to identify ways to further modify their sites to reduce the risk of children being exposed to lead contaminated dust and dirt. Over the school holidays many childcare sites had upgrades, maintenance and cleaning work done. This work was funded by the Department of Education. A great example of everyone working together for the future we all want!

16.01.2022 HARRISON IS ON THE MOVE Meet 8-month-old Harrison. He loves spending time on the floor playing and sliding around as he gets ready to crawl. He also loves chewing and sucking on things. Babies are vulnerable to environmental lead exposure and can absorb more than 50% of the lead that enters their bodies. As babies get older and spend more time on the floor and begin to put toys and objects into mouths, their blood lead levels can increase quite rapidly.... Harrison has just had his first blood lead level test at the Environmental Health Centre. His Mum, Teesha, said his results were good and she knows its important to keep an eye on things. Here are Teeshas tips: Wash dummies regularly, especially if they end up on the floor; Keep a spare clean dummy in a sealed container ready to swap in; Wash baby toys and playthings regularly, particularly those that get sucked and chewed; Wash and dry hands frequently yours and babys; Before laying a baby on the floor put down a clean rug or blanket as a play mat. These can be washed; Clean floors regularly. Either vacuum or damp mop when the kids are elsewhere; Leave shoes at the door to stop dirt being tramped in on those clean floors! EHC recommends babies should have their first Blood Lead Level test when they are 6 1/2 months old. Click this link for more information: https://tlap.com.au/information-for-families/ https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//9234.2-PPRHS+Babies+Caregi

16.01.2022 PLANTING THE SEEDS FOR LEAD SMART GARDENING Port Pirie Girl Guides gave a helping hand planting pumpkin seeds at the Port Pirie Community Garden. Their visit was a chance to learn some lead smart gardening practices to use when digging in their gardens at home.... Here's what the Girl Guides learnt: Wear gardening gloves red ones look good! Fruit and veg should be grown in raised garden beds filled with clean soil like the ones used at the Community Garden Use mains water and not rainwater Wash and dry your hands after gardening and take off your shoes and gardening clothes before going inside Wash home grown fruit and veg before you store and eat them. 10ml vinegar mixed with 1L water works best. Root veg needs to be scrubbed, peeled and washed to remove dirt. Pregnant women and young children should avoid eating home-grown produce (including eggs) from Port Pirie. This is especially important if the produce makes up a large part of their diet. If you grow and eat your own produce click on this link for more tips on how to reduce the risk of lead exposure. https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//16052.1+Port+Pirie+Home-Gr

16.01.2022 LEAD CHECK SWABS TO USE AT HOME Ever wondered if the paintwork at your place contains lead? These easy to use 3M Lead Check Swabs enable you to test painted wood and metal for lead-based paint.... You rub the swab over the test area for 30 seconds. If lead is present the tip turns pink or red. Lead Check Swabs are available at Better Home Supplies in Florence Street, Port Pirie. Lee knows where to find them in the painting section. For more information on lead-based paint and precautions to take if painting and renovating check out these resources. https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//Fact+Sheet+-+Lead-based+pa https://www.environment.gov.au//lead-paint-fifth-edition.p

16.01.2022 out and about now...

16.01.2022 SHOES OFF AT THE DOOR PLEASE Stopping to take shoes off at the door before stepping inside can be a real hassle. Try these strategies the TLAP team use with their families to help stop Lead contaminated dust and dirt being tracked through your home:... Make up a sign to go on your door asking family and friends to take shoes off before entering Have a seat or two by the door so its easy for you, the kids, and visitors to sit and take shoes off Keep a box by the door to store shoes in Choose door mats for outside that can be washed clean of dust and dirt or vacuumed. Look for mats with rubber spikes or heavy-duty PVC loop pile What tips can you share with us?

15.01.2022 LEARNING TOGETHER CENTRE REVAMPED Learning Together reopened this week with their playrooms looking fresh and bright. A revamp of the centre saw old carpets and flooring ripped out and replaced with new easy to clean flooring. TLAP has been providing guidance to the Department of Education and local childcare centres as they upgrade their facilities to reduced any present lead risks. Youve probably noticed the changes at your local Kindy and playgroup - Enjoy!

15.01.2022 FREE GOODIE BAGS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED Each weekday until May 15th, the TLAP Community van is visiting 3 locations in Port Pirie giving out free Goodie Food and... Fun Bags to families in need. Uniting Country SA, Nyrstar and TLAP personnel will be at the van each day handing out the bags. TODAYS VAN LOCATION & TIMES: 9am-10am - Pirie West Childcare Centre 10.15am-11.15am - Boat Ramp, Solomontown 11.30am-12.30pm - Community Centre, 28 Symonds Street Each Goodie Bag contains some nutritious breakfast and lunch snacks as well as fun activities for young children isolated at home. Eating a healthy breakfast assists in lowering blood lead levels in children. This program is an initiative of Nyrstar, TLAP, Uniting Country SA, Port Pirie Regional Council, Megs Bookshop and Woolworths, all working together to help the community #localslookingafterlocals Thankyou Automatic Print for incredible quick turnaround on the bags and stickers.

14.01.2022 #WorldHandHygieneDay reminds us to keep up good hygiene habits to stop the spread of germs and viruses. For more information go to www.stopthespread.sa.gov.au

13.01.2022 GRAB YOUR GOODIE BAG FROM THE TLAP VAN! The TLAP Van will be out and about over the next few weeks with Goodie Food and Fun Bags. These bags have healthy breakfast and lunchtime snacks and fun activities to do at home. Children absorb less lead when they have a tummy full of healthy food. ... So its important to maintain a nutritious diet high in fibre, iron and calcium because this helps to reduce lead absorption. See details below on when and where the TLAP Van will be out and about. For more information on nutritious food and other Lead reduction tips click this link https://tlap.com.au/information-for-families/ The Goodie Bags are an initiative of Nyrstar, Uniting Country SA, Port Pirie Regional Council, Woolworths and TLAP.

12.01.2022 UNREGULATED COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINES MAY CONTAIN LEAD. A word of caution from SA Health. Check out this news story.

12.01.2022 12 MONTH RECREATIONAL FISHING BAN IN PORT PIRIE WATERS

12.01.2022 SOME GOOD NEWS .... SA Healths half yearly blood-lead level report shows a decrease in the average amount of lead in blood for Port Piries children. Blood lead testing is available at the Environmental Health Centre for:... Port Pirie residents, pregnant women and children under the age of five. People in the community who are undertaking activities which may put them at risk of lead exposure e.g. renovators/contractors. Blood tests are taken by a finger prick and the blood is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. EHC then contact you with your blood lead level test result. This is a free service. Contact EHC to book in: 8638 4100 Click the link for TLAPs Top Tips on what we can do to reduce the risk of lead dust exposure for our kids. https://tlap.com.au/information-for-families/ Like and Share on Facebook to stay informed.

11.01.2022 Meet TLAP's Cleaning & Greening Team...

11.01.2022 SALTBUSH GLADIATORS The TLAP team has been working down the rail yard, pruning the 15,000 saltbush they planted back in 2016 as part of TLAPs Community Dust Management program. The saltbush has made a big difference in reducing the amount of dust blown around the rail yard and into nearby Solomontown homes.... Les Promnitz, Depot Coordinator for One Rail Australia, said the yard was just barren land with ballast and rail tracks, and every time the wind blew youd get a dust storm. Saltbush is a hardy plant to grow in and around Port Pirie to cover exposed dirt and create wind breaks to reduce dust levels on your property. It works equally well in a paddock and the home garden. When kept trim it can be easily shaped into an attractive hedge.

11.01.2022 So how does a healthy diet reduce the risk of little ones absorbing lead into their bodies? Watch this.....

11.01.2022 BABY LOVE A great clip from EHC about the importance of being lead aware around babies. There are some simple steps we can take to reduce the risk of their little bodies absorbing lead. Take a look..... For more information contact the Environmental Health Centre on 08 8638 4100... For TLAP Top Tips on keeping children healthy visit our website https://tlap.com.au/information-for-families/

10.01.2022 BANANAS ARE A-PEELING Michael Spartalis knows a bit about growing fruit and veg - just look at this bunch of lady finger bananas he’s grown at the Port Pirie Community Garden. We’re often asked if it’s safe to eat fruit and veg grown in Port Pirie gardens. The risk of being exposed to lead from eating home-grown produce depends on the type of plant, which parts you eat and how much of the plant you eat. ... Pregnant women and young children should avoid eating home-grown produce (including eggs) from Port Pirie. This is especially important if the produce makes up a large part of their diet. Fruit and veg that you peel before you eat, like Michael's bananas, are considered low risk. Whereas leafy veg such as lettuce, spinach, cabbage, silver beet, cauliflower, broccoli, and herbs are high risk. Leafy greens have large surfaces that are easily contaminated with dust containing lead that is difficult to wash off. Root and tuber veg such as potatoes, carrots, beets, and radishes can take up lead from the soil into the edible flesh. The vegetable skin can be contaminated from the soil they are grown in. However, you can eat these vegetables if they are grown in raised garden beds with clean soil and the skins are washed clean and then peeled. Fruiting vegetables such as beans, tomatoes, and zucchini tend to have lower lead levels than leafy, root and tuber vegetables. You do need to wash and peel them before storing, cooking or eating. Click on this link for more details on lead and home-grown produce in Port Pirie. https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//16052.1+Port+Pirie+Home-Gr

10.01.2022 LEAD CHECK SWABS TO USE AT HOME Ever wondered if the paintwork at your place contains lead? These easy to use 3M Lead Check Swabs enable you to test painted wood and metal for lead-based paint.... You rub the swab over the test area for 30 seconds. If lead is present the tip turns pink or red. Lead Check Swabs are available at Better Home Supplies in Florence Street, Port Pirie. Lee knows where to find them in the painting section. For more information on lead-based paint and precautions to take if painting and renovating check out these resources from SA Health. https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//lead+reducing+your+exposur

10.01.2022 PAINTING OR RENOVATING? BE LEAD PAINT AWARE Prior to the mid-1970s, paint used on the exterior and interior of many homes and buildings contained high levels of lead. ... Lead was used in paint as an effective colour pigment and it made paint tough and durable. However, lead-based paint can become a significant health problem when it deteriorates or is damaged or disturbed. It can enter our bodies as we breathe in fumes and small particles or swallow paint flakes or dust. Before you start painting and renovating check out these resources. https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//Fact+Sheet+-+Lead-based+pa https://www.environment.gov.au//lead-paint-fifth-edition.p Copies of these resource are also available from the Environmental Health Centre @ 117 Gertrude Street, Port Pirie

09.01.2022 ATTENTION D.I.Y-ers & FLIPPERS Thinking about doing some house painting or a home reno job? Check out this clip for tips on how to reduce the risk of exposure to lead dust from old lead-based paints.

08.01.2022 ASK A LOCAL: VERANDAS, DUST AND STUFF Are you spending more time at home on your veranda? Verandas can collect stuff. And stuff collects dust, dirt, and creepy crawlies. We need to avoid lead contaminated dust building up on our doorstep and in areas our kids play and we like to relax. Rob spent a morning cleaning his veranda. Here are his tips: ... Start by removing all furniture, toys and other bits and pieces from your veranda. Give these items a clean. If you dont use them, get rid of them. Clean from top to bottom. Hose down walls, windows and fly screens. Hose floor area and use an outdoor broom to wet sweep debris and bin. Sweep run off into a garden bed or down the nearest drain. Vacuuming is another option. This picks up grit and dust that you can then bag and bin. To make cleaning your veranda easier: Choose outdoor furniture with smooth flat surfaces that arent going to trap and collect dust. Furniture that can be hosed and wiped down with a damp cloth will make regular cleaning easier. Store kids outdoor toys in boxes with lids. This will stop dust collecting on toys when not in use and boxes make it easier to move toys out of the way for cleaning. For more TLAP Tips visit: https://tlap.com.au/information-for-families/

07.01.2022 ANALYSIS OF AN OLD LEAD FLOWER POT Our recent post offering to assess and remove lead pots/retorts from the community generated some debate about the lead content of these old pots. To get a clearer idea of lead content, we tested the outside of a pot TLAP collected from a local backyard. Analysis with our handheld XRF confirmed lead is present in these pots. We also did a scrub sample collecting loose material from the outside crust. This crusty surface would naturally ...breakdown off the pot onto nearby surfaces/soil. Again lead was found. Lead levels will vary with each pot however they are a potential lead exposure source if they breakdown or are touched. Pots could also present a potential lead exposure source for children who play around them. While it may have once been considered OK to remove lead pots/retorts from the smelter and use them in the home garden, health and environmental standards have changed over the years. The smelter stopped them from leaving site approximately 50 years ago due to these lead exposure concerns. If you would like TLAP to assess the removal of your lead pot, message us or email: [email protected]

07.01.2022 NEW STREET SWEEPER TRIAL TLAP have purchased new cleaning equipment to further improve the current community cleaning program we undertake across Port Pirie. We've started a three-month trial of the new purpose-built street cleaning unit, a Macron M40 Street Sweeper. ... You’ll see it in use around the CBD and in areas of higher lead contamination and locations frequented by children. This trial is being done in partnership with the Port Pirie Regional Council. In a few weeks’ time ride-on footpath cleaners will be used to clean smaller more confined areas that the larger cleaning unit cannot access. The new sweepers have improved technology so they can remove potentially contaminated dirt and debris more efficiently and effectively from the community. Material collected by the cleaning equipment will be returned to the smelter and not deposited at the council transfer station as is the practice with the council sweepers. It is anticipated removing the material from the community will lessen lead exposure pathways and therefore result in lower community blood lead levels. The new equipment will work in parallel with TLAP's current cleaning vehicles. Message us with any queries or send an email to: [email protected]

07.01.2022 NEW EHC APP ASSISTS FAMILIES MONITOR & REDUCE BLOOD LEAD LEVELS Download this free Environmental Health Centre App to: Record and monitor your children's blood lead level results over time. Get the facts about being lead aware in Port Pirie and how to keep your family's blood lead levels as low as possible.... Play along with Pea-bee and Phea-bees's games and puzzles. Thanks EHC! A great initiative. Share this post to spread the word.

05.01.2022 MEET BYRON ....TLAPs Implementation Manager. As a Pirie local and a Dad with a background in environmental science, he understands the importance of reducing our communitys risk of lead exposure. To contact Byron email: [email protected]

05.01.2022 SWEPT AWAY BY THE TLAP CLEAN TEAM The TLAP Clean Team are trialling two new pavement sweepers around Port Pirie’s city blocks. Each day the pavement sweepers remove about 80kg of dust, dirt and leaf litter from the CBD. ... Previously the TLAP Clean Team hosed down pavements outside city centre shops, cafes and businesses. This kept the pavements clean. Now with the new pavement sweepers we are focusing on the removal of dust and dirt to prevent further build up in the city. Fun Fact: The sweepers each cover a daily 8.5km route around town that’s 9,500 steps for each Clean Team operator (depending on how long their legs are !)

05.01.2022 HOT TOAST AND MILK FOR BREAKFAST Brodie and his sister Ruby enjoy their toast and milk at the Port Pirie West Primary School Breakfast Club. Brodie wants us to know that, Breakfast is important as it makes you healthy!... Hes right. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Children can absorb more lead if they dont have a tummy full of healthy food. The schools Breakfast Club is supported by TLAPs Nutrition and Hygiene Program, Bakers Delight and Food Hub SA. Every Tuesday morning between 60-90 kids collect breakfast from the school kitchen on their way to class. Theyre served Bakers Delight wholemeal toast with melted butter (Oh it smelled so good!), Vegemite or honey, fresh fruit and a cup of milk to eat outside with friends. Click on this link to TLAP Tips and find out more about the relationship between food and lead absorption. https://tlap.com.au/information-for-families/

05.01.2022 WINDY WASH DAYS... On windy days in Port Pirie its best to dry your washing inside. When that strong north/north-west wind blows across the smelter and exposed ground around town it can pick up lead contaminated dust and dirt that is then deposited predominantly in the south and south-east areas of Port Pirie. To reduce the risk of your clean washing collecting lead-bearing dust:... Keep drying times outside to a minimum; Hang your washing inside on windy days; Take washing off the clothesline before nightfall. There may be moisture in the air overnight which encourages dust to settle on clothing. Click on this link for more TLAP TIPS https://tlap.com.au/information-for-families/

05.01.2022 WASH, DRY & SMILE! After a big morning of running around and playing outside, Cameron and Bentley always wash their hands before heading inside and having a bite to eat with friends at Port Pirie Community Kindy. It’s especially important that kids wash and dry their hands after being outside or playing with pets, and before eating. Keep fingernails short and scrub out any dirt with a nailbrush. Make sure everyone leaves their shoes at the door when at home. These simple... steps can reduce any risk of lead particles entering our bodies. Children and pregnant women are most at risk from lead. Be lead smart like Cameron and Bentley wash and dry your hands and flash that smile! Visit our website for more lead smart tips: https://tlap.com.au/

04.01.2022 NEW CARPET FOR LEARNING TOGETHER Elena had the job of testing out the new carpet at the freshly revamped Port Pirie Learning Together Centre. Old carpets and flooring have recently been ripped out and replaced as Learning Together Manager, Nicky Welch, said they wanted to reduce the risk of childrens exposure to any lead dust that may have accumulated in the carpets over the years.... Now one playroom is newly carpeted with removable squares, and other play areas have new easy to mop flooring. TLAP, the Port Pirie Education Office, and local childcare facilities are working together strengthening strategies to further reduce the risk of children being exposed to any lead dust. SOME TIPS WHEN CLEANING CARPETS AT HOME: Vacuum slowly in each direction (up and down, then side to side) Vacuum when children arent around Use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter (high efficiency particulate air filter) Bag and dispose of vacuum dust in the bin, not in the garden Check out these SA Health tips on renovating and removing old carpets from home: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//p/renovating+in+port+pirie

03.01.2022 CLEAN SAND FOR KINDY It was an exciting day at Port Pirie Community Kindy when a bobcat delivered beach sand to fill their new nature play sandpit. The sandpit was filled with four truckloads of clean sand supplied by Heidrichs landscaping. ... If your kids have a backyard sandpit, its worth replacing the sand annually with clean play sand, particularly if the sandpit is uncovered. Covering your sand pit will help reduce any risk of lead contaminated dust and dirt accumulating in the sandand it will keep the neighbourhood cats out! A non-porous waterproof material such as canvas is a suitable cover and should be secured on the pit. When sand play is done, remember to wash hands. Happy digging! For more information, check out SA Healths Lead Smart Guidelines for Housing Property Owners. https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au//Lead+Smart+Guideline+for++

03.01.2022 HAND WASHING FUN WITH BABY SHARK Can you sing along?

02.01.2022 NYRSTAR INITIATIVES TO REDUCE LEAD IN AIR As a result of initiatives to reduce lead in air (LIA), Nyrstar report that the March 31 2021 LIA results were, quarter on quarter, the best results in five years. Read on to find out what new measures Nyrstar have put in place.

02.01.2022 DUST BUSTING AT PORT PIRIE LIFESTYLE VILLAGE TLAPs Josh and Cory spent the morning at the Port Pirie Lifestyle Village spraying hydro-mulch over vacant blocks of land. Village residents, concerned about the amount of dust from vacant blocks entering their homes, approached TLAP to find out about dust abatement options. ... Hydro-mulch is a dust suppressant. Josh said its like spraying on green papier mache. Its pretty sticky and dries to form a seal over the dirt. For more ideas on how you can reduce dust in your yard click on this link. https://tlap.com.au/greening-the-garden/

01.01.2022 SAFE TO SWIM OFF SOLLY BEACH SA Health has confirmed that it’s safe to swim in the Pirie River because the heavy metal contamination found by a recent Uni SA study is contained in the sediment. Avoid swallowing the river water and hit the showers and wash off any sand and sediment before you head home.

01.01.2022 LOOK WHAT WEVE GOT! Port Pirie Community Kindergarten friends Bianca and Harlow are pointing to the new door seals in the kindy playroom. To keep lead levels low indoors, seals have been installed around all window and door frames. On windy days doors and windows are shut and the seals block dust from being blown inside.... To help keep indoor lead levels low at your house: Close windows and doors on windy days Seal all cracks and cornices in your house Install window and door seals to keep dust out. These will also keep out cold winter draughts and summer heat. Now thats got to be good for your power bill too!

01.01.2022 RAIN WATER vs MAINS TAP WATER In Port Pirie rainwater can only safely be used in the garden to water lawns and ornamental plants. Do you know why? Take a look at this clip from the Environmental Health Centre.

01.01.2022 WANTED: LEAD POTS TLAP can collect and safely dispose any lead pots in the community. These pots can be a lead exposure risk, especially for children who may play in or around these pots.... To organise collection of any pots laying around at your place, please message us or email: [email protected]