LEAD CONCENTRATIONS IN UK URBAN AIR

Atmospheric concentrations of lead have been measured at two sites in each of two cities in the U.K. (London and Manchester). The results ha ve been used to evaluate the effect of the increasing use of unleaded petrol (gasoline) in motor vehicles. Atmospheric concentrations of lea d measured in London were found to be correlated to the U.K. lead in p etrol consumption figures. However, a similar correlation was not evid ent for Manchester indicating the importance of other sources of atmos pheric lead. Lead concentrations were correlated between the two citie s and a large variation in measured levels illustrates the importance of meteorological effects in determining atmospheric concentration.