Am. Murgueytio et al., RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOIL AND DUST LEAD IN A LEAD MINING AREA AND BLOOD LEAD LEVELS, Journal of exposure analysis and environmental epidemiology, 8(2), 1998, pp. 173-186
The relationship between lead mining waste and childhood lead poisonin
g is poorly understood. This study evaluates the contribution of soil
lead to blood lead levels. Methods: 125 children between 6 and 71 mont
hs of age living in a lead mining area of southwestern Missouri were e
valuated for blood lead and their homes tested for lead in soil, dust,
and paint. These results were compared to 26 control children. Result
s: Homes in the lead mining area had significantly increased soil and
dust lead levels and significantly higher blood lead levels. The prima
ry source of dust lead was soil lend. There was a strong relationship
between blood lead levels and dust, soil, and paint lead. Conclusion:
Soil lend related to mining operations plays a significant role in con
tributing to blood lead levels in children.