The National Health and Medical Research Council would consider revising the blood-lead level in its public statement if the World Health Organisation acts.

This comes after media reports that WHO is looking to reduce its level of concern from 10 micrograms per decilitre to five micrograms per decilitre.

“While the council’s public statement says that everyone should have a level under 10 μg/dL, it also emphasises that research evidence on the effects of low-level lead exposure – particularly in children and pregnant women – gives no simple answer on what levels are ‘safe’ or ‘of concern’,” a spokesman said.

“If the scientific evidence is compellingm, the council will consider revising the blood lead level in its public statement.

“At present the Lead Working Committee’s specific role is to advise on managing individual exposure to lead in Australia with the aim of developing a guide for health practitioners.”

SA Health failed to comment on how a five micrograms per decilitre benchmark would affect Port Pirie which is the home of the Nyrstar lead smelter.

“The priority for everyone involved is to continue to reduce the lead levels of children in Port Pirie with the goal of having all children below 10 micrograms per decilitre, in line with the council guidelines,” a spokesman said. “SA Health remains vigilant in monitoring levels in children and will continue to work with the smelter, local council and Port Pirie community to continue to improve these levels.”

Meanwhile, there are reports that Europe and Germany may consider reducing their level of concern to five micrograms per decilitre.

In the United States, a draft government report by the United National Toxicology Program found “sufficient evidence” that levels lower than five micrograms per decilitre were associated with decreased academic performance and cognitive function.

The report suggests that the US Centre for Disease Control prevention would be under pressure to reduce the level of concern to five micrograms per decilitre, if those findings make it into the final report.

Nyrstar declined to comment.

Seventy-six per cent of children in Port Pirie had levels below 10 micrograms per decilitre, according to the latest SA Health reports, the lowest levels in a decade.