Selected Chemical and Physical Properties of Soils and Gut Physiological Processes that Influence Lead Bioavailability

Abstract

AbstractThis paper considers selected field examples of physical and chemical properties of soil and some of the interactions with gut physiological processes that are related to lead bioavailability. The blood lead response to quantity of lead in mining and milling environments compared with urban and lead smelter conditions appears to be different. The emphasis of this paper is to understand the complexity of the urban environment.Bioavailability appears to be related to physical and chemical qualities other than mere quantity of lead. Particle size is one physical quality that influences bioavailability. Compared to intact lead—based paint, small particle emissions from vehicles govern the general soil lead pattern in urban environments. Lead has accumulated in soils in proportion to city size, with the inner—city generally measuring the highest lead levels. The soil lead situation is further exacerbated by the chemical influence of other toxic substances such as zinc. In several cities, zinc levels of...