ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD - NEED FOR REFERENCE MATERIALS

The status of the availability and appropriateness of standard referen ce materials (RMs) currently available for Pb in paint, dust, soil and drinking water is reviewed. The need for RMs which will be most appro priate for environmental Pb analysis in the context of the analytical techniques used, government regulations and health effects, is assesse d. Also, the importance of factors such as bioavailability, sample siz e, homogeneity and composition that should be considered in developing appropriate RMs certified for Pb in paint, dust, soil and drinking wa ter is stressed.