Study of children used to identify lead sources

Scientists have used quantitative analysis processes to utilise lead isotope ratios for the discovery of lead sources.

The study, published by Environmental Health journal, and undertaken by a team in France, was prompted by the difficultly in identifying new sources of lead.

Exposure has significantly decreased in recent years as the amount of lead in the environment has fallen, however, it is becoming increasingly difficult to identify new sources of lead even though exposure of children to lead, even at low levels, is a major health risk.

Blood samples were taken from 125 French children, environmental samples were taken from their homes and personal information was taken.

Using quantitative analysis, the isotopic signatures of potential sources of lead were matched with blood samples in order to identify likely exposure sources.

Lead isotope ratios revealed a single suspected source of exposure for 32 per cent of the subjects and were able to eliminate at least one unlikely source of exposure for 30 per cent of the children.