PILOT-STUDY OF SOURCES OF LEAD-EXPOSURE IN MOSCOW, RUSSIA

preliminary investigation of sources of lead exposure in Moscow, Russi a, by Russian and US collaborators measured lead in paint, interior du st, and drinking water in seven day-care centres, and in petrol, soil and canned food. Some paint samples exceeded US regulatory standards f or lead in paint on surfaces (0.5%). Dust lead loadings were <1.7 mu g cm(-2) and below the guidance levels of the US EPA. Drinking water le ad concentrations were at or below the US drinking water standard of 1 5 mu g L(-1). Lead concentrations in petrol from Moscow vehicles and p etrol stations were consistent with a regulation banning the sale of l eaded petrol within the Moscow City limits. Except for baby food, lead levels were higher in the Russian canned foods (range 6 to 1240 mu g kg(-1), dry weight) compared to corresponding US canned foods, with ra tios of Russian to US levels of up to 120:1 for evaporated milk. Lead concentrations in soil generally ranged from 500 to 2000 mu g g(-1), l evels that would trigger hazard reduction measures according to US EPA guidance. These findings, together with the use of lead in petrol out side Moscow, indicate multiple sources of lead exposure in Russia. Pri orities for future research are discussed including the establishment of interlaboratory quality control programmes.