Application of routine estimation of Pb isotopic ratios by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for studying the Pb origin in hair of children living in polluted areas. A pilot study

The analysis of Pb-204, Pb-206, Pb-207 and Pb-208 isotope ratios for enviro nmental Pb markers (leaded gasoline, air-borne particulate matter, house wi ndow dust) and hair of children was undertaken by the routine quadrupole in ductively coupled argon plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS). Hair samples c ollected from 10-year-old children living in Krakow in 1995 and 35 randomly selected children, aged 11, both sexes were included in the current study. Air-borne particles were collected by PM-2.5 (an aerodynamic diameter dac < 2.5 <mu>m) and PM-10 (fraction with an dac < 10 <mu>m) samplers in the pr oximity of steel factories situated near Krakow. Imprecision of routine est imations was approximately 0.6-0.7% or less, and was the lowest for the Pb- 207/Pb-208 ratio (approx. 0.2%). These conditions were sufficient to distin guish Pb from air-borne dust from that in gasoline or window dust. No diffe rences were found between Pb in PM-2.5 and PM-10 particles. The association s of the Pb in the these environmental sources and that in hair of children were discussed. The relationships of the Pb isotope ratios and other param eters related to environmental pollution were also analyzed. The analysis o f distribution of the (207)Ppb/Pb-208 ratio in the hair of children, provid ed some evidence of the fact that hair lead of approximately 20% of the inv estigated population could arise from gasoline, while the Ph from air-borne dust and remaining sources can be attributed to approximately 80% of the p opulation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.