Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 2.7
Environmental Lead Levels (geometric mean values) Associated with
Housing Types and Their Physical Condition in Cincinnati, OH
Post 1945,
private,
satisfactory
condition
19th century,
private,
satisfactory
condition
Subsidized,
rehabilitated
housing
19th century,
private, poor
condition
Public
housing
Lead measure
Paint-XRF
(mg/cm
2
)
1.2
1.7
1.2
7.3
10.5
Interior surface
dust (ppm w/w)
332.0
490.0
622.0
1680.0
2360.0
Interior surface
dust (
130.0
250.0
250.0
770.0
2100.0
µ
g/m
2
)
Interior dustfall
(ppm w/w)
176.0
179.0
221.0
464.0
563.0
Interior dustfall
(ng/m
2
/30 days)
35.0
54.0
75.0
139.0
199.0
Soil (ppm w/w)
98.0
138.0
221.0
692.0
905.0
Hand lead
(
4.3
4.8
7.5
10.5
15.5
µ
g Pb/subject)
Source:
From Clark, S. et al.,
Chem. Speciation & Bioavailability,
3, 163, 1991. With permission.
were associated with older houses and higher lead paint concentrations. The
relationship between housing type and BLLs in young children can be seen
in
Figure 2.14
.
Note the increase in BLLs from age 3 to 18 months.
B. Blood lead levels
Blood lead is a measure of lead exposure. It is the fraction of the body burden
that correlates most closely with recent environmental exposures. The half-
life of lead in blood is approximately 36 ± 5 days. In the early phases of
Figure 2.14
Relationship between housing type and blood lead levels in children.
(From Clark, C.S. et al.,
Environ. Res.
, 38, 46, 1985. With permission.)
