RELATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF LEAD FROM ANTHROPOGENIC SOURCES TO THE TOTAL HUMAN LEAD EXPOSURE IN THE U.S.

Abstract

The paper evaluates human exposure to lead at a baseline level for persons living in non-urban communities away from stationary or mobile sources of lead, eating typical diets, and engaging in no lead-related occupational or avocational activities. Relative contributions of atmospheric and metallic lead are evaluated for each exposure pathway. For this baseline situation, perhaps 40 to 55% of the total human exposure to lead is of atmospheric origin. Beyond the baseline level, additional exposure factors can be determined for other environments (e.g. urban, occupational, smelter communities) and for certain habits and activities (e.g., pica, smoking, drinking, and various hobbies), with variations for age, sex, or socioeconomic status. Although quantification of these factors is uncertain, they provide guidelines in determining relative exposures under differing environmental conditions. The added exposure factors can also be partitioned into atmospheric, metallic, and pigment lead.

Citation

Elias, R. RELATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF LEAD FROM ANTHROPOGENIC SOURCES TO THE TOTAL HUMAN LEAD EXPOSURE IN THE U.S. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/D-86/184 (NTIS PB86241015).

• RELATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF LEAD FROM ANTHROPOGENIC SOURCES TO THE TOTAL HUMAN LEAD EXPOSURE IN THE UNITED STATES