A pilot evaluation of tibia lead concentrations in Taiwan

Background The aims of this study were to examine some of the factors that influence tibia lead concentrations, tibia lead x-ray fluorescence measurem ent uncertainty and blood lead concentrations, and to compare tibia lead co ncentrations in Taiwanese lead workers to those observed in lead workers fr om other countries. Methods A pilot evaluation of 43 adult lead workers who underwent measureme nts of tibia lead and blood lead concentrations. Results Mean and maximum tibia lead concentrations were 54 mug of Pb per g of bone mineral(mug/g) and 193 mug/g, respectively. Mean and maximum blood lead concentrations were 44 mug/dl and 92 mug/dl, respectively. Conclusion Past occupational control of lead exposure in Taiwan, ROC, did n ot prevent these workers from accumulating tibia lead concentrations greate r than those in similar workers elsewhere in the world. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss , Inc.