Lead Dust Research Articles

Identification of multiple natural and anthropogenic sources of dust in snow from Zhongshan Station to Dome A, East Antarctica

ABSTRACTThe stable oxygen isotope composition, major ions and isotopic compositions of strontium (Sr), neodymium (Nd) and lead (Pb) in insoluble dust from recent surface snow samples along the transect from the Zhongshan and Progress stations (located on the Amery Ice Shelf, East Antarctica) to Dome A (Summit, Antarctica) were analysed. No previous isotopic fingerprinting studies have been conducted for this transect. These data were used to document the dust provenances in Antarctica along the transect up to the highest site, Dome A, for the first time. The insoluble dust in snow samples along the coast displays an overall crust-line isotopic signature that is characterised by highly radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr values and less radiogenic 143Nd/144Nd values. These signatures are comparable with those of samples collected near the ice-free areas of the Zhongshan and Progress stations. Spatial differences are statistically significant along the transect, and the Sr, Nd and Pb isotope components in insoluble dust from two continuous snow samples at Dome A exhibit marked differences, indicating that additional dust reaches the East Antarctic Plateau. The isotopic characteristics of insoluble dust from this transect indicate that the long-distance natural dust and anthropogenic pollutants in these samples primarily originate from Australia.

Occupational and Take-home Lead Exposure Among Lead Oxide Manufacturing Employees, North Carolina, 2016.

In 2016, North Carolina blood lead level (BLL) surveillance activities identified elevated BLLs among 3 children exposed to take-home lead by household members employed at a lead oxide manufacturing facility. We characterized BLLs among employees and associated children and identified risk factors for occupational and take-home lead exposure. We reviewed BLL surveillance data for 2012-2016 to identify facility employees and associated children. We considered a BLL ≥5 μg/dL elevated for adults and children and compared adult BLLs with regulatory limits and recommended health-based thresholds. We also conducted an environmental investigation and interviewed current employees about exposure controls and cleanup procedures. During 2012-2016, 5 children associated with facility employees had a confirmed BLL ≥5 μg/dL. Among 77 people employed during 2012-2016, median BLLs increased from 22 μg/dL (range, 4-45 μg/dL) in 2012 to 37 μg/dL (range, 16-54 μg/dL) in 2016. All employee BLLs were <60 μg/dL, the national regulatory threshold for immediate medical removal from lead exposure; however, 55 (71%) had a BLL ≥20 μg/dL, a recommended health-based threshold for removal from lead exposure. Because of inadequate controls in the facility, areas considered clean were visibly contaminated with lead dust. Employees reported bringing personal items to work and then into their cars and homes, resulting in take-home lead exposure. Integration of child and adult BLL surveillance activities identified an occupational source of lead exposure among workers and associated children. Our findings support recent recommendations that implementation of updated lead standards will support better control of lead in the workplace and prevent lead from being carried home.

Thermal and X-ray phase analysis of the “lead-containing dust–sulfur” system

The study of phase transformations in the system” lead-containing dust – sulfur ” is actual, as in many pyrometallurgical processes lead-containing dust is formed. The accumulation of such industrial waste causes ecologically stress on the environment. The sulfur is select as a sulfiding agent due to the problem of its utilization in the oil industry. The article covers the possibility of lead dust sulfiding with technical sulphur. Thermal and x-ray phase analysis of mixtures of lead dust and elemental sulfur in various ratios was carried out. Thermal analysis was performed on a Q-1000/D derivatives without air access, which was achieved by blocking crucible with the analyzed samples by aluminum oxide, in the temperature range 20-1000 ° C, heating mode – dynamic (dT/dt = 10 deg/min), reference substance – calcined Al2O3. X-ray diffraction analysis was performed on an automated diffractometer DRON-4 with CuКa-radiation and β-filter. In the studied system, the main temperature intervals, wherein sulfur actively reveal itself, are 60-220 and 220-360 °C. The state of the system beyond 450 °C is clear from the physical properties of the lead dust. Rising of sulfur concentration increases the visibility of the peak on the DTA-curve associated with polymorphic transformation of lead oxy-sulfates and activation of sulfide formation processes. The increase in the intensity of the effects of sulfur direct interaction with the components of the charge reflects the difference in sulfur concentrations in the compared samples. On the other hand, the increase of sulfur content in the composition of the sample leads to some attenuation of the physical properties (melting) of lead oxy-sulfates. Thus, the increase of the sulfur content in the charge more strongly stimulates the development of sulfidization process in the system, which takes place within 140-300 °C. Within the same next stage of thermal manifestation, sulfide formation in the system and activation of the lead compound interaction is directly related to sulfur. The scientific and practical significance of the investigation is in the possibility of the use of technical sulfur, waste oil industry for sulfiding lead dust.

Ecological and human health risk assessment of toxic metals in street dusts and surface soils in Ahvaz, Iran.

This study aimed to examine the concentrations and environmental health risk of the potentially toxic metals including Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, and As in street dusts and surface soils of Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province, located in the southwest of Iran. To this end, a total of 81 street dusts and 96 surface soils were collected from Ahvaz urban areas. Toxic metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and evaluated using enrichment factors, potential ecological risk index and human health risk assessment. Lead in street dusts and Pb and Cu in surface soil showed the highest enrichment factor. The results revealed that there are two major sources of toxic metals in Ahvaz, including industrial activities and road traffic emissions and also resuspension of soil and dust particles. Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cr in Ahvaz soil and dust particles are strongly influenced by anthropogenic activity, mainly industrial and traffic emissions, while As and Co originate from resuspension of soil natural parent particles. The potential ecological risk index (RI) values for dust samples indicated that 58.02% of all samples showed low potential ecological risk. Moreover, 33% and 9% of samples showed moderate and considerable ecological risk, respectively. In addition, the RI values for soil samples indicated that 57% and 40% of all samples had low and moderate ecological risk, respectively, and 3% had a high ecological risk. The hazard index (HI) values of studied potentially toxic metals showed that there is no non-carcinogenic risk for children and adults. Furthermore, the HI value for children was 2-7 times upper than those for adults, which confirm that children show more potential health risks for exposition to these potential toxic metals. Cancer risks of the studied potential toxic elements for both adults and children decreased in the following order Crdust > Crsoil > Cddust > Cdsoil > Asdust > Assoil > Pbdust > Pbsoil. The carcinogenic risk values of Cd, As, and Pb for adults and children was lower than 1 × 10-6, suggesting carcinogenic risk of potentially toxic metals in the street dust and surface soil could be neglected. On the other hand, the carcinogenic risk value of Cr was greater than 1 × 10-6 for both adults and children revealing that the carcinogenic risks of Cr essentially need more consideration for environmental management control.

Physicochemical properties and toxic elements in bus stop dusts from Qingyang, NW China

To appraise the content and pollution level of cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) in bus stop dusts, representative samples (n = 53) were collected from the city of Qingyang in Gansu province, NW China. The Cd, As, Hg, Ni, and Pb contents and physicochemical properties (particle size, organic matter, pH and magnetic properties) of the bus stop dusts were investigated. Pollution levels were evaluated by the Nemero synthesis pollution index (NSPI) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo). The results indicate that the magnetic susceptibilities of the bus stop dusts were higher than those in the local soils. Cd, As, Ni, and Pb contents ranged from 0.4 to 3.1, 7.1 to 16.3, 12.7 to 151.3, and 20.1 to 96.2 mg kg−1, with average values of 1.2, 10.1, 22.2, and 44.9 mg kg−1, while Hg content ranged from 4.5 to 1357.7 µg kg−1 with an average of 214.0 µg kg−1. The mean contents of Cd, As, Hg, Ni, and Pb were 12.0, 0.8, 10.0, 0.6, and 2.4 times the local soil background value, respectively. Cd, Hg and Pb in approximately 96%, 62% and 19% of the bus stop dusts were above the “moderately polluted” level in terms of Igeo. As and Ni were defined as “practically unpolluted” in all of the bus stop dusts. The NSPI values of all of the bus stop dust samples exceeded 3, which reveals overall serious contamination of harmful elements.

Preeclampsia and blood lead (and other metals) in Lubumbashi, DR Congo

Among parturient women in Lubumbashi, blood lead concentrations [geometric means (25th–75th percentiles)] were higher among 40 women with preeclampsia [6.66 µg/dL (5.16–79.4)] than among 39 control women matched for age and gestation duration [5.08 µg/dL (4.27–6.30)]. Blood lead exceeded 5 µg/dL in 33 (83%) preeclamptic women and 17 (44%) control women [odds ratio 6.1 (95%CI 2.1–17.1)]. In another study, we found high levels of lead in surface dust collected in front of homes in Lubumbashi (36/127 samples exceeding 120 µg lead/g dust). Our findings support the conclusions of a systematic review that increased blood lead level increases the likelihood of preeclampsia. Moreover, our study indicates that, as in other urban areas in Africa, exposure to lead is unacceptably high among pregnant women in Lubumbashi. Preventive measures are needed to protect mothers and children from the serious adverse effects of lead exposure.

EPA lowers lead dust exposure levels

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to lower limits on lead dust on floors and window sills, the agency announced June 25. The new limits apply to pre-1978 housing and any child-occupied facility, such as a daycare or school. The proposed hazard standard for floors would fall from 430 µg/m² to 108 µg/m², and the acceptable level for windows would fall from 2,700 µg/m2 to 1,100 µg/m2. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has said that lead exposure is a priority at the agency, though most of his public statements focus on lead in drinking water rather than childhood exposure though paint. “Lead-contaminated dust from chipped and peeling lead-based paint is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children,” Pruitt said in a statement announcing the lower levels. “Strengthening the standards for lead in dust is an important component of EPA’s strategy to curtail childhood lead exposure.”

Lead Poisoning in Cattle Held in a Military Training area

Background: Lead poisoning is one of the major toxic diseases of cattle. Contamination occurs with ingestion of products containing lead, especially batteries, or through contaminated pastures and water sources. Clinical signs are neurological and necropsy findings and histopathological changes may vary depending on the clinical presentation. Although the diseaseis widely reported in the literature, there are rare descriptions of intoxication in cattle raised in military training areas. This work describes the epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological features of an outbreak of lead poisoning in cattle kept in a military artillery training camp.Case: Fifteen cattle out of a herd of sixty 4-6 year-old, mixed breed castrated males were affected. The cattle were held in a 100 ha of native pasture used for military artillery training. After three weeks in this area, the affected cattle had predominantly neurological clinical manifestations, characterized by somnolence, ambulatory incoordination, muscle tremors,bruxism, aimless walking, blindness and decubitus. The clinical course was 24-72 h. Eight of the 15 affected cattle died and two were necropsied. Necropsy finds were non-specific and the histological lesions of both necropsied cattle were restricted to the brain and kidneys. Laminar neuronal necrosis, neuropil vacuolization (spongiosis) and vascular endothelial hypertrophy were observed in the telencephalic cortex. Additionally there was astrocytic degeneration and neuronophagia.There was degeneration and necrosis of renal tubular epithelium and in one bovine there were intranuclear inclusion bodies in the renal epithelial cells; these inclusion bodies were highlighted using both modified Ziehl-Neelsen and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) stains. The levels of lead found in the kidneys and livers of the two necropsied cattle were respectively51.7 μg/g and 41.00 μg/g for one of the necropsied cattle; and 431μg/g and 39.0 μg/g for the other. After the diagnosis of intoxication, cattle were removed from the area and the remaining seven affected bovines recovered.Discussion: The diagnosis of lead poisoning in cattle in the current study was based on epidemiological, clinical, anatomopathological data and in the determination of lead levels in the kidney and liver. The association of these data provides an invaluable aid in confirming a presumptive diagnosis of lead poisoning. Pasturing on military artillery training fieldsis a rarely described form source of lead for the intoxication in bovine species. In such cases, cattle may ingest the lead directly from the soil or through contaminated pastures containing lead dust on the surface of the leaves. Histologically, laminar neuronal necrosis in the telencephalic cortex, associated with tubular necrosis and intranuclear inclusion bodies intubular epithelial cells, are characteristic features of the intoxication. These changes are usually associated with ischemic anoxia in the nervous system and alteration in nuclear function which interferes in gene expression in the kidney. Lead poisoning in cattle should be differentiated from other neurological conditions, especially rabies, hepatic encephalopathyand several causes of polioencephalomalacia. Areas of military artillery training are unfit for the development of agricultural exploitation activities, as they represent potential sources of contamination for livestock.Keywords: diseases of cattle, toxicology, heavy metal, polioencephalomalacia.

Analysis of Selected Heavy Metals in Indoor Dust in Khorramabad City, Iran: A Case Study

Background: Indoor dust as a significant source of pollution in the urban environment can cause serious ecological and health problems. Therefore, the current study has been conducted to determine the Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, and Nickel contamination in house dust in the city of Khorramabad in 2017. Methods: A total of 80 samples of indoor dust were collected from 20 regions of the study area. After sample digestion, the content of metals was determined using the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Results: Based on the results, the average contents of Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni (mg/kg) in the analyzed dust samples were 11.34 ± 2.25, 11.81 ± 5.29, 32.08 ± 20.60, and 60.19 ± 17.90, respectively. Also, comparison of the element levels in the house dust samples with the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) established by environmental protection agency (EPA) shows that the average levels of Cd and Ni were higher than the MPC. Conclusions: Due to average contents of elements in the dust samples, especially Cd and Ni, were higher than the MPC; the indoor dust can cause adverse effects on human health. Therefore, control of the anthropogenic sources that cause discharge of hazardous compounds, particularly toxic heavy metals into the outdoor, indoor, and street dust, is recommended.

Dynamic Geochemistry of Tetraethyl Lead Dust during the 20th Century: Getting the Lead In, Out, and Translational Beyond.

This commentary provides a brief overview of policy decisions that permitted getting tetraethyl lead (TEL) into petrol; global geochemical lead-dust deposition evidence; 1975 catalytic converter requirements; concern about habitability of cities; a personal perspective on legacy lead research that accelerated getting TEL out of petrol; and translational beyond, including New Orleans pre- vs. post-Hurricane Katrina observations about legacy lead interventions that effectively improve urban children’s health outcomes.

Application of ICMM Occupational Health Risk Assessment Modelin evaluation of occupational risk of a lead-acid battery enterprise

Objective: ICMM occupational health risk assessment model was be used to evaluate the risk of a lead-acid battery enterprise. Methods: In November 2016, a lead-acid battery company in Jiangsu Province was selected as the research object. Based on the occupational health survey data and occupational hazard assessment reports, the ICMM risk assessment model was used to conduct occupational health risks in eight key positions of a lead-acid battery enterprise. The risk assessment results was verified by actual test results. Results: In the quantitative assessment model, the occupational health risk assessment results for the castings and welding positions exposed to lead smoke, and the occupational health risk assessment results for the grinding and dividing positions exposed to lead dust existed unacceptable risks. The occupational health risk assessment results for the ball-milled and plated positions exposed to lead dust existed tolerable risks. The occupational health risk assessment results for the lead-plated and soldered positions exposed to sulphuric acid pastes and acids existed potential risks. In qualitative evaluation matrix method, the occupational health risk assessment results for the castings and welding positions exposed to lead smoke, and the occupational health risk assessment results for the grinding and dividing positions exposed to lead dust existed high risks, the occupational health risk assessment results for other four key positions were considered to be with low risks. Conclusion: The key control points for lead smoke in this enterprise were castings and welding positions; The key control points for lead dust were the grinding and separating brush positions. The quantitative assessment model and the qualitative assessment matrix method in the ICMM model were consistent with the actual test results in the eight health risk assessments of occupational hazards in key positions. Therefore, the method could be applied to the assessment of occupational health risks of the lead-acid battery enterprise. According to the results of the assessment, improvements could be made to high-risk positions and the concentration of occupational hazards in high-risk posts could be reduced to better protect the health of workers.

Quantitative Analysis of the Pb Concentration in Dust Fall in Zahedan in the Winter of 2014

Dust is considered as one of the atmospheric phenomena that inappropriately influences the environment. Falling dust contains particles with the size of 100 microns or less, which falls from atmosphere on the surface of the earth. This study aimed at determining the Pb concentration in falling dust samples in order to investigate the urban pollution caused by this element. To investigate the quantitative changes in falling dust lead and its spatial analysis, sampling was performed using 30 sediment traps for 3 months in the winter of 2014. These traps were installed in 30 stations on the roofs of some buildings in Zahedan which were about 1.5 meters high. As the results indicated the Cumulative average of lead concentration was 97.32±5.4 mg/kg in the winter. Correspondingly, scrutinizing lead zoning map revealed that the lowest lead level was measured at the Azadegan station in the winter, whilst the Behdasht station received the highest lead level.

Lead and zinc concentrations in household dust and toenails of the residents (Estarreja, Portugal): a source-pathway-fate model

This paper describes a methodology developed to assess and apportion probable indoor and outdoor sources of potentially toxic elements while identifying chemical signatures in the household dust collected from private homes in an industrial city (Estarreja, central Portugal). Oral bioaccessibility estimates and the chemical composition of toenail clippings were used to assess indoor dust ingestion as a potential exposure pathway and further investigate exposure-biomarker relationships. Indoor and paired outdoor dust samples were collected from each household. A total of 30 individuals, who provided toenail clippings and a self-reported questionnaire, were recruited for the study. Total concentrations of 34 elements, including lead and zinc, were determined in washed toenail samples and household dust via Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. The oral bioaccessibility was estimated using the Unified BARGE Method. The enrichment factor shows that lead was enriched (10 < EF < 100) while zinc (EF > 100) was anomalously enriched in the household dust, thus indicating potential exposure in the home environment. The results from principal component analysis coupled to cluster analysis and linear discriminant analysis suggested that mixed contamination derived from multiple sources with a predominance of biomass burning. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to model toenail data using the indoor dust elemental composition. Whereas the model obtained for lead was not reliable, indoor dust zinc and antimony contents arose as good predictors of toenail zinc. The exposure-biomarker relationships seem to be influenced by the oral bioaccessibility of the elements.

Assessment of lead contamination on aquatic habitat and street snacks in makassar coastal area, Indonesia

Lead can be a poison to the environment which may affects all body systems. Lead can also affect human health especially those who frequently exposed. Lead potentially lowering level of intelligence, growth, loss, causing anemia, and disorder among children as lead is neurotoxin and accumulative. In addition, lead can cause a decrease in the ability of the brain, whereas in adults may cause interference of high blood pressure and other tissue toxicity. Any increase in the levels of lead in the blood of 10 ug/dl led to a decrease in IQ of 2.5 points or 0.975 IQ. The research aims to assess the potential health risk among people who exposed to lead in the coastal area of city of Makassar. We investigate the distribution of toxic lead in Makassar coastal area namely; sea water, sediments, shells and crab. Then investigate lead toxins around coastal such as lead in soil, dust, snacks and air. After create distribution maps lead risks we create analysis of environmental and health risks assessment. Result revealed that the analysis of spatial distribution of Lead in the sediment shows that the high distribution was in station 3 in Mariso districts then coastal Tallo area and the lowest was in Tamalate District. While the analysis of the spatial Pb distribution in mussels seen that the highest distribution Pb was in station 4 of districts Mariso then coastal waters Tallo area and the lowest was in Tamalate District 5.00 to 7.20 mg/g. In conclusion, it revealed the concentration of Lead at all stations of those four districts have exceeded the level of allowed standard and may potentially lead to a hazard both to environment and human being who are living in the surround area.

Lead exposure in young children over a 5-year period from urban environments using alternative exposure measures with the US EPA IEUBK model – A trial

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic (IEUBK) model has been widely used to predict blood lead (PbB) levels in children especially around industrial sites. Exposure variables have strongly focussed on the major contribution of lead (Pb) in soil and interior dust to total intake and, in many studies, site-specific data for air, water, diet and measured PbB were not available. We have applied the IEUBK model to a comprehensive data set, including measured PbB, for 108 children monitored over a 5-year period in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. To use this data set, we have substituted available data (with or without modification) for standard inputs as needed. For example, as an alternative measure for soil Pb concentration (μg/g), we have substituted exterior dust sweepings Pb concentration (μg/g). As alternative measures for interior dust Pb concentration (μg/g) we have used 1) 30-day cumulative petri dish deposition data (PDD) (as µg Pb/m2/30days), or 2) hand wipe data (as μg Pb/hand). For comparison, simulations were also undertaken with estimates of dust Pb concentration derived from a prior regression of dust Pb concentration (μg/g) on dust Pb loading (μg/ft2) as concentration is the unit specified for the Model. Simulations for each subject using observed data aggregated over the 5-year interval of the study, the most usual application of the IEUBK model, showed using Wilcoxon tests that there was a significant difference between the observed values and the values predicted by the Model containing soil with hand wipes (p < 0.001), and soil and PDD (p = 0.026) but not those for the other two sets of predictors, based on sweepings and PDD or sweepings and wipes. Overall, simulations of the Model using alternative exposure measures of petri dish dust (and possibly hand wipes) instead of vacuum cleaner dust and dust sweepings instead of soil provide predicted PbB which are generally consistent with each other and observed values. The predicted geometric mean PbBs were 2.17 ( ± 1.24) μg/dL for soil with PDD, 1.95 ( ± 1.17) μg/dL for soil with hand wipes, 2.36 ( ± 1.75) μg/dL for sweepings with PDD, and 2.15 ( ± 1.69) for sweepings with hand wipes. These results are in good agreement with the observed geometric mean PbB of 2.46 ( ± 0.99) μg/dL. In contrast to all other IEUBK model studies to our knowledge, we have stratified the data over the age ranges from 1 to 5 years. The median of the predicted values was lower than that for the observed values for every combination of age and set of measures; in some cases, the difference was statistically significant. The differences between observed and predicted PbB tended to be greatest for the soil plus wipes measure and for the oldest age group. Use of ‘default dust’ values calculated from the site-specific soil values, a common application of the IEUBK model, results in predicted PbB about 22% (range 0 to 52%) higher than those from soil with PDD data sets. Geometric mean contributions estimated from the Model to total Pb intake for a child aged 1–2 years was 0.09% for air, 42% for diet, 5.3% for water and 42% for soil and dust. Our results indicate that it is feasible to use alternative measures of soil and dust exposure to provide reliable predictions of PbB in urban environments.

Concentrations of lead (pb) in road dust in bandar seri begawan, brunei darussalam

A first-ever survey oflead (Pb) in road dust in Bandar Seri Begawan (B.S.B.), the capital of Brunei Darussalam, was carried out in 1996, three years after the introduction of unleaded petrol. The concentration of Pb at 114 sites varied between 12 and 544 µg/g (mean: 125 µg/g; standard deviation: 103 µg/g). There was a significant correlation (r=0.546) between lead in road dust and traffic volume at 17 sites for which traffic counts were available. An assessment of the potential hazard posed to children was made. It is concluded that concentration levels of Pb in road dust in B.S.B. are considerably lower than levels found in London and Hong Kong, and they do not pose a major public health hazard.

Spatial Lead Pollution in Aquatic Habitats and the Potential Risks in Makassar Coastal Area of South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Background: Lead can be a poison to the environment which may affects all body systems. Lead can also affect human health especially children, lead potentially lowering level of intelligence, growth, loss, causing anemia, and disorder among children as lead is neurotoxin and accumulative. In addition lead can cause a decrease in the ability of the brain, whereas in adults may cause interference of high blood pressure and other tissue toxicity. Any increase in the levels of lead in the blood of 10 ug / dl led to a decrease in IQ of 2.5 points or 0.975 IQ. The research aims to produce a special model of health risk among elementary school children due to lead exposure in the coastal city of Makassar.Methods: This study investigate the distribution of toxic lead in Makassar coastal area namely; sea water, sediments, shells and crab. Then investigate lead toxins around the school such as lead in soil, dust, paint, snacks and air. After create distribution maps lead risks we create analysis of environmental health risks for children.Results: Result revealed that the analysis of spatial distribution of Lead in the sediment shows that the high distribution was in station 3 in Mariso districts then coastal Tallo area and the lowest was in Tamalate District. While the analysis of the spatial Pb distribution in mussels seen that the highest distribution Pb was in station 4 of districts Mariso then coastal waters Tallo area and the lowest was in Tamalate District 5.00 to 7.20 mg / g.Conclusion: In conclusion, it revealed the concentration of Lead at all stations of those four districts have exceeded the level of allowed standard and may potentially lead to a hazard both to environment and human being who are living in the surround area.

Lead in roadway dusts from different functional areas in a typical valley city, NW China: contamination and exposure risk.

Lead contamination and exposure risk assessment in roadway dusts from four different functional areas in a typical valley city in northwest China (Xi'an) were conducted in this study. A total of 130 roadway dust samples from park area (PA), traffic area (TA), educational area (EA), and residential area (RA) were collected and Pb concentrations in the samples were determined by using XRF (X-ray fluorescence). Geo-accumulation index (I geo) and enrichment factor (EF) were applied to assess Pb contamination level and the hazard indexes (HI) of Pb were calculated to evaluate the exposure risks to children and adults. The results showed that roadway dusts from all four functional areas had elevated Pb concentrations and pollution characteristics of Pb were discrepant in different functional areas. The mean concentration of Pb in roadway dusts from PA, TA, EA, and RA was 147.4, 74.8, 119.6, and 161.0mgkg-1, respectively. The I geo and EF of Pb were mostly 1-3 and 2-20, which indicated moderate to high Pb contamination in roadway dusts. High contamination level of Pb in RA and EA should receive priority for prevention and control. Exposure risk assessment of Pb from roadway dusts was mainly in the acceptable range, but the potential risk of Pb exposure to children should be continuously concerned.

A simple lead dust fall method predicts children's blood lead level: New evidence from Australia

We have measured dust fall accumulation in petri dishes (PDD) collected 6 monthly from inside residences in Sydney urban area, New South Wales, Australia as part of a 5-year longitudinal study to determine environmental associations, including soil. with blood lead (PbB) levels. The Pb loading in the dishes (n = 706) had geometric means (GM) of 24µg/m2/30d, a median value of 22µg/m2/30d with a range from 0.2 to 11,390µg/m2/30d. Observed geometric mean PbB was 2.4µg/dL at ages 2–3 years. Regression analyses showed a statistically significant relationship between predicted PbB and PDD. The predicted PbB values from dust in our study are consistent with similar analyses from the US in which floor dust was collected by wipes. Predicted PbB values from PDD indicate that an increase in PDD of about 100µg/m2/30d would increase PbB by about 1.5µg/dL or a doubling PbB at the low levels currently observed in many countries. Predicted PbB values from soil indicate that a change from 0 to 1000mg Pb/kg results in an increase of 1.7µg/dL in PbB, consistent with earlier investigations. Blood Pb levels can be predicted from dust fall accumulation (and soil) in cases where blood sampling is not always possible, especially in young children. Petri dish loading data could provide an alternative or complementary “action level” at about 100µg Pb/m2/30 days, similar to the suggested level of about 110µg Pb/m2 for surface wipes, for use in monitoring activities such as housing rehabilitation, demolition or soil resuspension.

Risk assessment through ieubk model in an inhabited area contaminated with lead

Over centuries the mining industry has been accumulating a great quantity of wastes. The main potentially toxic elements present in the mining wastes are metals and metalloids. Due to its effects on human health, lead is one of the metals in wastes of more concern. Children are the most vulnerable to inorganic-Pb exposure, due to their behavior and physiology. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determinate lead concentration and dispersion in an inhabited area, also to estimate the risk for children population in the site through the model IEUBK (Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic model). The inorganic lead in dust present in the inhabited area was analytically determined. The risk assessment of lead exposure for children, predicted that is a probability from 31.68 to 90.61% of have lead in blood above of 10 μg dL−1. Remediation actions are recommended in order to mitigate the population exposure. A risk assessment is an important research tool to evaluate the level of population exposure to contaminant sources that can be dangerous for its health and quality of life. This research is significant due to the fact that tailing damps are multicontaminated wastes; moreover Pb is a pollutant that can generate harsh effects in people, especially in children. The lack of urban planning and awareness encouraged that settlements with new families were developed next to tailing damps without concern about the inhabitant's exposure to Pb and other metals. This manuscript proposes the use of models like the IEUBK, as a tool for risk assessment and studies related with urban planning in mining sites. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2017