Toxic Heavy Metals Lead Research Articles

The potential modulatory impact of garlic-selenium nanoparticles coated with synthetic tocopherol polyethylene glycol-succinate against lead acetate toxicity in male rabbits

Toxic heavy metal lead enters in the environment due to industrial and anthropogenic activity threatens ecosystems and public health. Natural garlic extract (GE) exhibits antioxidant properties and various applications against several ailments. Therefore, this study scrutinized the protective effects of tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate-coated garlic selenium (TPGS-GSNP) against lead acetate (LA) toxicity in rabbits. Sixty-four mature male rabbits were involved and divided into 8 equal groups. They received distilled water (negative control; T1), 30 mg/kg bw of LA (positive control; T2), 800 mg/kg bw of GE (T3), GE + LA (T4), 1 mg/kg bw of TPGS-Selenium (T5), TPGS-S + LA (T6), 1 mg/kg bw of TPGS-GSNP (T7), and TPGS-GSNP + LA (T8). Consequently, treatments were administered three times a week for 12 weeks. Following the treatment period, serum oxidant-antioxidant, protein, and lipid profiles, liver and kidney function, histopathological findings of the adrenal, liver, and kidneys, femur bone marrow chromosomal aberrations, and mitotic activity were collected and analysed. LA exposure showed significant reductions in antioxidant levels, organ weights, and mitotic activity while increasing oxidative stress, corticosteroid levels, and chromosomal aberrations. Importantly, TPGS-GSNP administration significantly improved these markers compared to the LA group. In addition, histological analysis revealed structural improvements of the studied organs in the TPGS-GSNP group compared to the LA group, which displayed high cellular necrotic and degenerative changes. In conclusion, synthetic TPGS-GSNP demonstrated higher protective efficacy against LA-induced toxicity compared to natural GE or selenium alone. However, more future studies could be conducted to explore the potential of TPGS-GSNP as an anticancer or immunomodulatory agent.

Selenium alleviates lead-induced CIK cells pyroptosis and inflammation through IRAK1/TAK1/IKK pathway

The toxic heavy metal lead is widely found in rivers and soils as an environmental pollutant, posing a threat to the health of aquatic organisms. Selenium is an essential trace element and a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as alleviating heavy metal poisoning. Many studies have shown that lead poisoning produces inflammatory responses and damage to the kidneys of a wide range of animals, but the effects on cellular pyroptosis and immune function and selenium antagonism in CIK cells are not clear. In this study, 500 μM Pb and 20 nM Se were applied to grass carp kidney cells, and the results showed that Pb exposure to CIK cells resulted in oxidative stress, activation of the IRAK1/TAK1/IKK pathway, up-regulation of the expression of cellular pyroptosis markers GSDMD and NLRP3, and cellular pyroptosis of CIK cells, as well as up-regulation of IL-1β and IL-18, and the generation of cellular inflammatory response. In contrast, Se treatment significantly reduced the ROS level, the expression of cellular pyroptosis markers GSDMD, NLRP3 and inflammatory element IL-1β and IL-18. Taken together, Se alleviated cellular pyroptosis and immune dysfunction caused by Pb exposure through oxidative stress and activation of the IRAK1/TAK1/IKK pathway. This study complements the harmful effects of the heavy metal Pb on fish and the real-life application of selenium in the healthy culture of fish as a reference will be provided.

Ultrasonic treated dried turmeric leaves powder as biosorbent for enhanced removal of lead from aqueous solutions

ABSTRACT The present investigation was targeted to remove toxic heavy metal lead (Pb(II)) from synthetic solution with ultra-sonicated turmeric leaves powder (UTLP) as sorbent. The responsible functional groups for adsorption of Pb(II) onto UTLP were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and the adsorption was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The Central Composite Design (CCD) method was used to scrutinise the effective parameters. Based on the optimisation results, the maximum % biosorption (97.36) of Pb(II) was attained under optimum conditions of pH: 4.92, biosorbent dosage (BD): 0.44 g and initial solution concentration (ISC): 37.93 mg/L. The experimental findings were fitted with Langmuir and Freundlich and Temkin isotherms. Sequel to isotherm data, the Freundlich model gave good fit with R2 = 0.99 and a maximum adsorption capacity of 36.49 mg/g. The pseudo-second-order model was found to be the most significant for kinetic data analysis. The thermodynamic parameters such as Gibb’s energy change (∆G0 ), enthalpy change (∆H0 ) and entropy change (∆S0 ) were estimated, and it was found that the process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Furthermore, the desorption study was conducted with 0.1 N HNO3 to estimate the ease of regeneration behaviour of UTLP. Conclusively, the results revealed that UTLP is prominent and cheap biosorbent for removal of Pb(II) from aqueous medium.

The Effects of Toxic Heavy Metals Lead, Cadmium and Copper on the Epidemiology of Male and Female Infertility.

Infertility is a major problem in modern society that affects a significant number of couples around the world. Heavy metals and a number of other factors have been causally linked to infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of heavy metals lead, cadmium, and copper on the epidemiology of male and female infertility. Searches for articles published from 1982 to 2020 using related keywords such as male and female infertility and heavy metals were performed in scientific databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and others. The results showed that, in recent years, the number of infertile individuals has increased. Various environmental, occupational, and genetic factors have been described as potential causes. Heavy metals lead, cadmium, and copper cause infertility in couples through various mechanisms, such as changes in sperm motility factors, decreased semen quality, or effects on the egg. Exposure to physical phenomena such as radiation (ionized or microwave) and heat; stress and mental disorders; chemicals from cigarettes, respiratory pollutants (lead), insecticides and pesticides; anesthetic gases; and mercury and cytotoxic drugs may also contribute to the onset of infertility.

Biomass derived worm-like nitrogen-doped-carbon framework for trace determination of toxic heavy metal lead (II)

The worm-like nitrogen-doped-carbon framework (WNCF) with abundant edge-plane-like defective sites (EDSs) was synthesized by using natural wax gourd (Benincasa hispida) as the main carbon precursor and milk yielded by Chinese Holstein cattle (Holstein Friesian) as the nitrogen precursor for the first time. The Nafion-dispersed WNCF (Nafion-WNCF) was employed to design a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for the trace determination of toxic heavy metal lead (II) (Pb2+) by the differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). Some key experimental factors including calcination temperature of WNCF, pH value of the buffer solution, deposition potential, deposition time and the concentration of bismuth (Bi3+) were optimized for the stripping analysis of Pb2+. Under the optimum experimental condition, Nafion-WNCF modified bismuth film glassy carbon electrode (Nafion-WNCF/BFGCE) exhibits a wide linear range from 0.5 μg L−1 to 100 μg L−1 and a low detection limit of 0.2 μg L−1 (S/N = 3) for detecting Pb2+. Especially, Nafion-WNCF/BFGCE was successfully applied to determine Pb2+ in tap water and lake water samples. All the results suggest that the WNCF can be considered as a green and low-cost nanomaterial for the precision detection of Pb2+ in real samples.

Inkjet Printed Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotube Sensor for the Detection of Lead in Drinking Water

AbstractElectroanalytical methods can be used for the reliable detection of the toxic heavy metal lead in drinking water samples. Inkjet printed electrodes have potential for the rapid and affordable assessment of drinking water. Researchers have shown the electrochemical sensing applicability of inkjet printed electrodes. In this work, Pb2+ was detected using an inkjet printed multi‐walled carbon nanotube (IJP‐MW‐CNT) electrode with silver tracks printed underneath. The silver tracks provide the sensor with the conductivity needed for sensitive measurements. MW‐CNT were dispersed in water using bile salts as a surfactant to prepare the ink. The IJP‐MW‐CNT electrode was used as the working electrode with a platinum wire and Ag/AgCl as auxiliary and reference electrode, respectively. The electrodes performance was optimized in 0.1 M acetate buffer (pH=4.3) and had two linear ranges of 5 to 20 ppb (R2=0.99) with a sensitivity of 38 nA/ppb and 20 to 50 ppb (R2=0.98) with a sensitivity of 15 nA/ppb and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.0 ppb for Pb2+. The analytical applicability of electrode was determined by constructing a calibration curve in an unaltered drinking water sample (i. e.) Cincinnati tap water with two linear ranges of 15 to 40 ppb (R2=0.99) with a sensitivity of 1.5 nA/ppb and 40 to 70 ppb (R2=0.99) with a sensitivity of 3.5 nA/ppb and a LOD of 1.0 ppb for Pb2+. Effects of copper and cadmium as potential interferents are reported.

Rb2CuX3 (X = Cl, Br): 1D All‐Inorganic Copper Halides with Ultrabright Blue Emission and Up‐Conversion Photoluminescence

AbstractAll‐inorganic metal halides such as Cs4PbX6 and CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) are attracting global attention owing to their promise in optoelectronic applications. However, the presence of the toxic heavy metal lead (Pb) in these materials is a major concern. Here, a family of nontoxic high‐efficiency blue‐emitting all‐inorganic halides Rb2CuX3 (X = Br and Cl) is reported; the compounds exhibit 1D crystal structures featuring anionic 2− ribbons separated by Rb+ cations. The measured record high photoluminescence quantum yield values range from 64% to 100% for Rb2CuBr3 and Rb2CuCl3, respectively. Furthermore, the measured emission linewidths are quite narrow with full width at half maximum values of 54 and 52 nm for Rb2CuBr3 and Rb2CuCl3, respectively. Single crystals of Rb2CuCl3 demonstrate an anti‐Stokes photoluminescence signal, shown for the first time for Pb‐free metal halides. The discovery of highly efficient narrow blue emitters based on a nontoxic and inexpensive metal copper paves a way for the consideration of low‐cost and environmentally friendly copper halides for practical applications.

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA, C22:6, ω-3) Composition of Milk and Mammary Gland Tissues of Lactating Mother Rats Is Severely Affected by Lead (Pb) Exposure.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6, ω-3), an ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), is critical for brain growth, development, and cognitive ability. It is consumed by offspring via milk during lactation. However, the toxic heavy metal lead (Pb) readily passes into the mammary glands of mother animals and then to offspring through milk. Here, we investigated whether DHA composition of milk and mammary gland tissues is affected by Pb exposure. Mother rats were exposed to Pb via drinking water (0.1%). The fatty acid profile and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxide (LPO), and pro-inflammatory TNF-α in milk and mammary tissues were measured. Levels of DHA and antioxidant GSH decreased (P < 0.05), while LPO and TNF-α levels increased (P < 0.05) both in milk and mammary tissues. Our results suggest that toxic Pb exposure can upset the level of milk DHA, which may affect brain growth and development, and hence cognitive ability in adulthood and later life.

THERMODYNAMIC AND KINETIC STUDIES FOR THE BINDING OF LEAD ION BY CHELATING WITH THEOPHYLLINE 1,3-DIMETHYLXANTHINE (THERAPY DRUG)

Objective: Chelating therapy is a medical procedure that involves the administration of chelating agents to remove heavy metals from the body; chelating agents detoxify heavy metals and toxins, converting them to inactive forms which were excreted out from the body. This work demonstrates the complication of the drug with toxic heavy metal lead (Π) ion.&#x0D; Methods: All the experiments were performed at different temperature (303, 308, 313, 318, and 323) °K, by spectrophotometric method. The electronic spectra of the mixture of drug and lead ion show a bathochromic (red) shift in ʎmax, the absorbance change caused by a complex arrangement between the lead ion and drug.&#x0D; Results: The stoichiometry of the complex formed was calculated using continuous variation method, it was found (1:2) that the durability constant was estimated that the standard thermodynamic parameters ΔH°, ΔG°, and ΔS° were determined, the negative values of free energy changes ΔG° indicate a spontaneous complexation process. The positive values of enthalpy change indicate an endothermic process with an increase in entropy change ΔS° (positive), that means the process in an entropy driven.&#x0D; Conclusion: The kinetic studies of the complexation of drug and ion were found to follow the second-order reaction, which was confined by the straight line and a high rate constant.

Distribution, relationship, and risk assessment of toxic heavy metals in walnuts and growth soil

Walnut is one of the most popular nuts worldwide and contains various mineral nutrients. Little is known, however, about the relationship between toxic heavy metals in walnuts and growth soil. In this study, we investigated the distribution, relationship, and risk assessment of five toxic heavy metals-lead (Pb), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg)-in walnuts and growth soil in the main production areas of China. The results showed that the main heavy metal pollution in walnut and soil was Pb and Cd. Regionally, positive relationships existed between heavy metals and the pH and organic matter of soil. In addition, we observed a notable uptake effect between walnut and growth soil. In this study, we found a significant correlation (r= 0.786, P< 0.05) between the bioconcentration factors and the longitude of the sampling areas. The risks (total hazard quotients) of five heavy metals toward children and adults by dietary walnut consumption were 46.8 and 56.2%, respectively. The ability to identify toxic heavy metal pollution in walnuts and growth soil could be helpful to screen suitable planting sites to prevent and control heavy metal pollution and improve the quality and safety of walnut.

Removal of toxic heavy metal lead (II) using chitosan oligosaccharide-graft-maleic anhydride/polyvinyl alcohol/silk fibroin composite

The present work was aimed to investigate the efficiency of novel chitosan oligosaccharide-graft-maleic anhydride(COS-g-MAH)/Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/silk fibroin (SF) composite for removing the toxic heavy metal lead (II) ion from aqueous solution by batch adsorption studies. Initially the chitosan oligosaccharide-graft-maleic anhydride copolymer has been prepared by utilizing ceric ammonium nitrate as an initiator and the optimised graft copolymer was then used for synthesizing COS-g-MAH/PVA/SF composite. The prepared samples were analyzed through FTIR and XRD studies. The FTIR results indicate that the grafted chitosan oligosaccharide copolymer was mixed homogeneously with silk fibroin and polyvinyl alcohol through intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The XRD results elucidate the changes in the crystalline behaviour of the prepared COS-g-MAH/PVA/silk fibroin composite. Both FTIR and XRD results revealed a strong interaction among COS-g-MAH, PVA and silk fibroin components. To evaluate the adsorption potential of the synthesized composite, the parameters such as pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time and initial Pb(II)ion concentration was investigated. The adsorption isotherms of Pb(II) could be described very well by Langmuir model and the kinetic results revealed that pseudo second order kinetics shows a better fit. This work provides a practical and high-efficient method for water treatment at moderate concentration of toxic heavy metals.

Lead induced histological alterations in ovarian tissue of freshwater teleost Mastacembelus pancalus (Hamilton)

The Indian fresh water eel, Mastacembelus pancalus (Ham) was chronically exposed to lead nitrate for 30 days exposed at dose of LC20 value (in respect to 925ppm 96-h LC50 value). Results show reduced fecundity and GSI and deteriorated ootoxic conditions. Oolytic alteration includes lesion of oocytes, which resulted in dearth of any interfollicular spaces. Distorted appearance of oocytes was a major alteration observed. No distinct follicular normal histology was seen and also usual ovular conditions on the whole been lost. The effects of chronic exposure on growth and reproduction parameters were investigated in M. pancalus. The study demonstrated that toxic heavy metal lead can cause reproductive defect in fishes. Present study insured that the growth of body weight and gonadal development along with egg laying capacity that is the fecundity and histological alteration of ovary of Mastacembelus pancalus is noticeably changed after 30 days exposure of lead nitrate. Lead exposure and growth rate, GSI and were showed inverse relation. There were significant reduction on growth GSI, fecundity and histological attributes of the tissues of ovary due to chronic lead exposure. Exposure to lead can therefore, reduce fecundity of fish thereby can limit the numerical size of the succeeding generation.

Weathering of galena: Mineralogical processes, hydrogeochemical fluid path modeling, and estimation of the growth rate of pyromorphite

In many natural and anthropogenically affected environments, alteration of galena produces thermodynamically more stable secondary lead phases. These secondary minerals control the mobility of the toxic heavy metal lead in water. These textural, paragenetic, and stability relations have not been investigated in detail in the literature yet. An extensive petrographic study of 41 thin sections of weathered, zoned galena and adjacent country rock from the Schwarzwald mining area, southwest Germany, is presented. The observed textures were evaluated using PHREEQC fluid path modeling and sequences of stable secondary mineral assemblages were predicted. The most common secondary (supergene) lead minerals of interest here are cerussite, anglesite, and pyromorphite group minerals (PyGM; pyromorphite, mimetite, and vanadinite). These lead phases show a spatially well-ordered zoned texture around the preexisting/relic galena. Cerussite and anglesite commonly occur either as in situ replacement of galena and/or as euhedral crystals in cavities of former, partially dissolved galena. The PyGM are present either as crusts around the margin of the former/relic galena or are common as infiltration products into the host rock/gangue. During progressive weathering anglesite typically disappears first followed by cerussite. Finally, only the highly insoluble PyGM persist as a perimorphose. Hence, a spatially and temporally zoning texture is formed. Thermodynamic models of various fluid evolution paths using PHREEQC show the influence of temperature, pH, variable P CO2 , phosphorous contents and/or different mineral reactions on the sequence of formation and stability of the secondary lead phases. Already small changes in one or more of these parameters can lead to different mineral assemblages or sequences of secondary lead minerals. Over almost the whole relevant pH range, PyGM are the most stable lead phases, precipitating at very low ion activities explaining their textural position. Whether cerussite or anglesite forms, depends mainly on the pH value of the supergene fluids, which is affected by the quite variable fluid pathways. Furthermore a solubility diagram for a typical near-surface fluid was calculated, showing that anglesite is the most soluble phase, followed by cerussite and PyGM. This again reflects the microscopic observations. As a further step, the time span for the formation of a natural millimeter-thick pyromorphite crust was evaluated using subsoil phosphorous fluxes from the literature. The calculation indicates that millimeter-thick pyromorphite crusts can be formed in few tens to about hundred years, which is in agreement with observations in the nature. In this study, a framework for predicting stable secondary lead mineral assemblages and textures by fluid path modeling is given. These models are potentially important for predicting the retention and mobilization of lead in systems around contaminated sites or natural ore deposits.

Antarctic-wide array of high-resolution ice core records reveals pervasive lead pollution began in 1889 and persists today.

Interior Antarctica is among the most remote places on Earth and was thought to be beyond the reach of human impacts when Amundsen and Scott raced to the South Pole in 1911. Here we show detailed measurements from an extensive array of 16 ice cores quantifying substantial toxic heavy metal lead pollution at South Pole and throughout Antarctica by 1889 – beating polar explorers by more than 22 years. Unlike the Arctic where lead pollution peaked in the 1970s, lead pollution in Antarctica was as high in the early 20th century as at any time since industrialization. The similar timing and magnitude of changes in lead deposition across Antarctica, as well as the characteristic isotopic signature of Broken Hill lead found throughout the continent, suggest that this single emission source in southern Australia was responsible for the introduction of lead pollution into Antarctica at the end of the 19th century and remains a significant source today. An estimated 660 t of industrial lead have been deposited over Antarctica during the past 130 years as a result of mid-latitude industrial emissions, with regional-to-global scale circulation likely modulating aerosol concentrations. Despite abatement efforts, significant lead pollution in Antarctica persists into the 21st century.

A protocol for a systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions to reduce exposure to lead through consumer products and drinking water.

BackgroundThe toxic heavy metal lead continues to be a leading environmental risk factor, with the number of attributable deaths having doubled between 1990 and 2010. Although major sources of lead exposure, in particular lead in petrol, have been significantly reduced in recent decades, lead is still used in a wide range of processes and objects, with developing countries disproportionally affected. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness of regulatory, environmental and educational interventions for reducing blood lead levels and associated health outcomes in children, pregnant women and the general population.Methods/designThe databases MEDLINE, Embase and the Global Health Library (GHL) will be searched using a sensitive search strategy. Studies in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian or Afrikaans will be screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. We will consider randomized and non-randomized studies accepted by the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) Group, as well as additional non-randomized studies. Screening of titles and abstracts will be performed by one author. Full texts of potentially relevant studies will be independently assessed for eligibility by two authors. A single author will extract data, with a second reviewer checking the extraction form. Risk of bias will be assessed by two researchers using the Graphical Appraisal Tool for Epidemiological studies, as modified by the Centre for Public Health at the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Any inconsistencies in the assessment of eligibility, data extraction or quality appraisal will be resolved through discussion. Where two or more studies report the primary outcome blood lead levels within the same population group, intervention category and source of lead exposure, data will be pooled using random effects meta-analysis. In parallel, harvest plots as a graphical method of evidence synthesis will be used to present findings for blood lead levels and secondary outcomes.DiscussionThis systematic review will fill an important evidence gap with respect to the effectiveness of interventions to reduce lead in consumer products and drinking water in the context of new WHO guidelines for the prevention and management of lead poisoning. It will also contribute to setting a future research agenda.

Surface Modification of the Biowaste for Purification of Wastewater Contaminated with Toxic Heavy Metals—Lead and Cadmium

The surface of a biowaste was modified by introduction of amino group for the purification of wastewater contaminated with heavy metals. In this study waste tea leaf was used as a biowaste which was an economic and efficient bioadsorbent. The aminated tea leaves were characterized by spectral and elemental analysis. The adsorption capacity of the surface modified biosorbent was studied as the function of solution pH, concentration of metal ions and contact time of adsorption. The applicability of Langmuir isotherm was tested. The adsorption capacities were found to be 83.04 mg/g and 57 mg/g for Pb (II) and Cd (II), respectively. The biosorbent was regenerated by desorption of the metal loaded adsorbent with 0.1 M HNO3. These results showed that the aminated tea leaves may be an attractive alternative for treatment of wastewater contaminated with heavy metals.

Lead Contributes to Arterial Intimal Hyperplasia Through Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2–Related Factor–Mediated Endothelial Interleukin 8 Synthesis and Subsequent Invasion of Smooth Muscle Cells

To validate the hypothesis that the toxic heavy metal lead (Pb) may be linked to cardiovascular diseases via the initiation of atherosclerosis, in vivo and in vitro studies were conducted. During the human study part of this project, serum Pb levels of healthy young women were correlated to carotid intima-media thickness. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that increased serum Pb levels were significantly associated with an increased intima-media thickness (P=0.01; odds ratio per SD unit, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1 to 2.4]). In vitro, Pb induced an increase in interleukin 8 production and secretion by vascular endothelial cells. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 is the crucial transcription factor involved in Pb-induced upregulation of interleukin 8. Endothelial cell-secreted interleukin 8 triggered intimal invasion of smooth muscle cells and enhanced intimal thickening in an arterial organ culture model. This phenomenon was further enhanced by Pb-increased elastin synthesis of smooth muscle cells. Our data support the hypothesis that Pb is a novel, independent, and significant risk factor for intimal hyperplasia.

Lead in Drinking Water as a Public Health Challenge

In drinking water supplies the intake of the toxic heavy metal lead is commonly due to metal corrosion in the peripheral water distribution system, especially the user’s plumbing or lead service lines. Recently, the problem again received attention in the United States when testing data of drinking water at schools was published (Renner 2009). In Europe several countries are known to have significant numbers of buildings with elevated lead tap water concentrations, for example, the United Kingdom (Watt et al. 1996), Austria (Haider et al. 2002) and Germany (Becker et al. 2001). Lead exposure from drinking water has been a topic of public health prevention programs in several parts of Germany before, for example, Hamburg (Fertmann et al. 2004) and Frankfort (Hentschel et al. 1999). In 2005 in the northern German state of Lower Saxony, a prevention program was initiated comprising three different approaches at the same time to achieve a widespread effect. To assess the present state of drinking water contamination with lead, a free examination of lead in tap water (after nocturnal stagnation) was offered in cooperation with local public health departments for private households that included young women and families with children (Zietz et al. 2007, 2009). Along with the collection of data, the program aimed to focus public attention on this public health problem. In another part of this program, data from local public health departments on existing lead measurements, especially in public buildings, were collected and analyzed (Zietz et al. 2007, 2009). Finally, a working group on lead replacement, consisting of representatives of all relevant parties (e.g., tenant and landlord associations, crafts people, building and health administrations) was initiated. In the screening part of the project, a total of 2,901 tap water samples from households were collected during 2005–2007. Of these, 7.5% had lead concentrations > 10 μg/L (recommended limit of the World Health Organization) and 3.3% had concentrations above the present limit of the German drinking water ordinance (25 μg/L) (Zietz et al. 2009). We found remarkable regional differences in the frequency of tap water contamination. An additional inclusion criterion in this study was that buildings must have been constructed before 1974 (after which no new lead pipes were installed); therefore, the results cannot be compared directly to other studies. From the data, we roughly estimated that about 4.7% of all households in Lower Saxony have lead concentrations > 10 μg/L (Zietz et al. 2009). In an earlier study in southern Lower Saxony (Zietz et al. 2001a), households with mothers of newborn babies from the area around the university city of Gottingen were investigated. Of the 1,434 stagnation samples, 3.1% had lead concentrations > 10 μg/L. A moderately higher percentage of households with elevated composite water samples was found in the geographic area of the city of Berlin using two composite water sampling methods (5.6% and 7.0%, respectively. In total, 2,109 households were tested with both methods in the federal state of Berlin (Zietz et al. 2001b). In a representative study of samples collected in all parts of Germany during 1997–1999 (Becker et al. 2001), the 90th percentile of lead concentrations in 4,761 stagnation samples was 7.6 μg/L. Projects in association with epidemiologic investigations also provide an opportunity to design prevention programs in this field. Generally, we favor the precautionary measure of preventing exposure to lead by replacing pipes completely. The addition of anticorrosive substances to the public water supply can be effective in lowering lead concentrations. In contrast, changing water chemistry (e.g., a new water disinfectant method, as in Washington, DC, USA) can have a substantial effect in elevating lead (Renner 2009). Flushing the water pipes and using only cold water are short-term methods of decreasing exposure to lead from tap water. Using bench-top water filters can also decrease lead concentrations, but problems such as leaching of different substances into the water or microbial contamination may arise under certain conditions. Thus, lead plumbing material in buildings still poses a challenge for public health in the United States and in Europe.