Abstract
Considering the negative effect of lead (Pb) on children’s neurodevelopment, Pb exposure should be minimized to the lowest extent possible, though the blood Pb (BPb) concentrations in Japanese children are among the lowest in the world. To identify the sources of Pb in blood, isotope ratios (IRs: 207Pb/206Pb and 208Pb/206Pb) of Pb (PbIR) in whole blood from eight Japanese children were measured by multi-collector ICP mass spectrometry. Further, samples of house dust, soil, duplicate diet, and tobacco, collected from home environments, were also measured and were compared with PbIR of blood case by case. The relative contribution of Pb in the home environment to BPb were estimated by linear programming (finding an optimal solution which satisfy the combination of IRs and intakes from various sources) when appropriate. Source apportionment for three children could be estimated, and contributions of diet, soil, and house dust were 19–34%, 0–55%, and 20–76%, respectively. PbIR for the remaining five children also suggested that non-dietary sources also contributed to Pb exposure, though quantitative contributions could not be estimated. Non-dietary sources such as soil, house dust, and passive tobacco smoke are also important contributors to Pb exposure for Japanese children based on PbIR results.
Highlights
In 1991, the Center for Disease Control in the United States (CDC) proposed a blood lead (BPb) concentration of 10 μg/dL as an action level based on findings that Pb affects the cognitive development in children
Full sets of environmental data were collected from eight households
Pb concentrations and PbIRs in blood and environmental samples from each home environment were measured to identify the sources of Pb exposure for Japanese children
Summary
In 1991, the Center for Disease Control in the United States (CDC) proposed a blood lead (BPb) concentration of 10 μg/dL as an action level based on findings that Pb affects the cognitive development in children. Schwartz [7] and Lanphear et al [8] claimed that no threshold exists for low BPb, where no cognitive effect was observed. The children’s BPb levels in many countries are currently lower than those measured in the past [10,11,12,13]. If no threshold for BPb toxicity exists, further reduction of Pb exposure for children is advisable, even when considering currently low BPb concentrations. To this end, identification of the source(s) of Pb exposure is an essential step
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International journal of environmental research and public health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
