X-ray fluorescence measurements of lead burden in subjects with low-level community lead exposure

As public awareness and environmental controls increase, acute lead intoxication levels and symptoms of lead toxicity are decreasing. More attention is now being directed toward identifying, measuring and eliminating sources of chronic exposure to absorbable lead. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) estimation of chronically absorbed bone lead content is being considered as a reliable means of obtaining measurements and as a useful method for population studies. This technique was evaluated in assessing the status of persons who were not subjected to either industrial or occupational lead exposure, but who acquired their lead burden by living in an industrialized society. The 34 subjects, who were employed by a biomedical company, completed questionnaires on history of lead exposure or intoxication and hobbies, previous lifestyles or habitation that may have caused exposure. K-XRF measurements were made at the mid shaft of the tibia (lower leg bone) for 30 minutes. This instrument is organized and calibrated to operate at a distance of 2.5 centimeters, and give direct readings of bone lead content. Sixteen subjects were found to have lead levels of up to 21 micrograms of lead per gram of bone material. Eighteen had readings below the measurement uncertainty. Older participants had higher lead levels than younger individuals. Questionnaire responses indicated that residing in homes built before 1955 or homes with lead-soldered plumbing contributed to some of the elevated levels. The results support the use of the XRF instrument and testing procedures in the assessment of low-level lead loading in population studies. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
AS THE LEVEL of lead exposure associated with adverse health outcomes continues to decline with advances in research, increased attention is being directed to finding an integrated measure of chronic [...]