Bunnings is changing its packaging and storage for lead-containing products following concerns about exposure risks. 

The move comes after reports from the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDA) and investigations by safety authorities in three states, which found lead dust on store shelves. 

The SDA's report to SafeWork SA allegedly claims improper storage of lead sheets led to dust formation. 

SDA South Australia assistant secretary Jordan Mumford says unions in Queensland and other states were notified, prompting in-store testing by state safety authorities.

Consequently, lead products are being removed from shelves nationwide. 

SA's Communications, Electrical, Energy and Plumbing Union (CEPU) first alerted the SDA after several members were poisoned while decommissioning a power station in Adelaide. 

These members had purchased lead products from Bunnings, according to CEPU SA organiser Max Mawby.

Bunnings has committed to wrapping all existing and future stock of lead products, and is expected to be completed within weeks. 

Some locations will only sell lead products through a trade sales desk. 

Bunnings also says it has cleaned affected areas with specialist equipment and liaised with safety authorities in New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia.

SafeWork SA has refused to disclose whether it tested for elevated lead levels in Bunnings stores, citing confidentiality provisions.