Lead-based paint exposure risk remains highest in older New Zealand dwellings

Lead-based paint remains a significant source of non-occupational lead exposure in New Zealand, particularly in older dwellings where renovation activities or deteriorating paint can generate lead dust.

Our recent report, Lead-based paint exposure in New Zealand dwellings, found that nearly half (49%) of notified cases between 2014 and 2024 involved dwellings built before 1940, a period when paint commonly contained high levels of lead. The notification rate in these oldest dwellings was approximately 16 times higher than in dwellings built from 1980 onward.

Most notifications occurred in urban areas (78%), although dwellings in the very high hazard category are also common in rural areas. Children remain particularly vulnerable, with 71 notifications involving children recorded between 2014 and 2024.

The report also features an interactive map of potential lead-based paint hazard levels across New Zealand to help identify areas with older dwelling stock and support public awareness and prevention efforts.

You can read the Perspective here:
Lead-based paint exposure in New Zealand dwellings

An interactive is also available:
Potential lead-based paint exposure in NZ dwellings