LEAD CONTAMINATED MOONSHINE: A REPORT OF ATF ANALYZED SAMPLES

Background: A recent study of Emergency Department patients in Atlanta, GA, revealed a significant association between reported moonshine consumption and elevated blood lead level (BLL)([is greater than or equal to] 10 [micro]g/dL). However, beyond anecdotal reports and isolated case histories, lab analyses confirming the presence and extent of lead contamination among moonshine samples are absent from modern scientific literature. Methods: 115 suspected moonshine samples seized by local law enforcement between 1995 and 2001 were voluntarily submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms' National Laboratory for analysis. Determination of lead was achieved using Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrophometry (FAAS). Descriptive statistics were calculated using EPIINFO 6.0 (CDC, Atlanta, Georgia). Results: Samples originated from 9 states, including 5 southeastern states, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin and West Virginia. Lead levels ranged between 0.0 [micro]g/dL and 53,200 [micro]g/dL (median = 44.0 [micro]g/dL). Median percent alcohol by volume was 44.75% (range: 3.85%-65.80%). 33 samples (28.7%) contained lead levels greater than 300 [micro]g/dL. Percent alcohol by volume did not predict lead content. Conclusion: OSHA guidelines have established a BLL of concern in adults at 40 [micro]g/dL. The EPA quantitatively estimates that dietary lead exposure of 1520 [micro]g/day will result in a BLL of 40 [micro]g/dL. Consuming 500cc per day of moonshine contaminated with 300 [micro]g/dL of lead could result in a BLL of approximately 40 [micro]g/dL. 28.7% of samples could produce lead toxicity at a low to moderate level of consumption. Moonshine production and consumption is an under-appreciated toxicologic and public health concern not restricted to the Southeast US.
Parramore CS, Morgan BW, Ethridge MW. Center for Injury Control; Emory Department of Emergency Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Buruea of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms National Laboratory, Rockville, [...]