Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

The authors attempted to confirm the reliability of the linear log-log model presented by Goldsmith and Hexter in 1967. The data used were from seven reports published since 1977, including that of the authors. The age of the subjects in these reports ranged from three to over 65 years. Various methods of air sampling and pre-treatment of collected particulate matter were employed. Lead was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean value of lead in the atmosphere ranged from 0.11 to 19 μg/m³. A regression line obtained from 13 pairs of averaged lead in the atmosphere and in blood was log(Pb-B) = 0.259 x log(Pb-A) +1.243, and the Pearson's moment correlation coefficient between the logarithm of Pb-A and the logarithm of Pb-B was 0.839. These results were roughly the same as those of Goldsmith. This finding confirms the consistency of the association between Pb-A and Pb-B, which may be used to monitor atmospheric and blood lead quantitatively in those countries conducting a lead reduction program in gasoline. Asia Pac J Public Health1994;7(4):233-5.

Keywords

Atmospheric lead automobile blood lead gasoline log-log model.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

1. Environmental Protection Agency. Air quality criteria for lead. Washington DC: Government Printing Of fice, 1977: 5–3.

2. Okubo T , Omae K , Sakurai H , Sugita M , Tsuchiya K . The relationship of airborne lead to blood lead in school children. Sangyo Ika Daigaku Zasshi 1983; 5(Suppl): 137–44.

3. Tri-Tugaswati A , Suzuki S , Koyama H , Kawada T . Health effects of air pollution due to automotive lead in Jakarta. Asia Pac J Public Health 1987; 1 (4): 23–27.

4. Elwood PC , Gallacher JEJ . Lead in petrol and levels of lead in blood: Scientific evidence and social policy. J Epidemiol Community Health 1984; 38: 315–8.

5. Arnetz BB , Nicolich MJ . Modelling of environmental lead contributors to blood lead in humans. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1990; 62: 397–402.

6. von Schirnding Y , Bradshaw D , Fuggle R , Stokol M . Blood lead levels in South African inner-city children. Environ Health Perspect 1991; 94: 125–30.

7. Suzuki S . Health effects of lead pollution due to automobile exhaust: Findings from field surveys in Japan and Indonesia. J Hum Ergol 1990; 19: 113–22.

8. Abbritti G , Muzi G , Cicioni C , Accattoli MP , Fiordi T , Morucci P . Effects of low doses of lead on children's health. Ann 1st Super Sanita 1989; 25: 437–47.

9. Angle CR , Marcus A , Cheng I-H , McIntire MS . Omaha childhood blood lead and environmental lead: A linear total exposure model. Environ Res 1984; 35: 160–70.

10.

10. Zettner A , Josselson AR , Ramras DG , Askew JB . Blood lead levels in San Diego policemen. Ann Clin Lab Sci 1977; 7: 352–6.

11.

11. Burgess WA , Diberardinis L , Speizer FE . Health effects of exposure to automobile exhaust V. exposure of toll booth operators to automobile exhaust. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 1977; 38: 184–91.

12.

12. Bisby JA , Ouw KH , Humphries M , Shandar AG . Absorption of lead and carbon monoxide in Sydney traffic policemen. Med J Aust 1977; 1: 437–9.

13.

13. Goldsmith JR , Hexter AC . Respiratory exposure to lead: Epidemiological and experimental dose-response relationships. Science 1967; 158: 132–4.

14.

14. WHO Task Group. Lead. Geneva: World Health Organization, 1977(WHO Environ Health Criteria 3 p. 24–27).

Relationship between Mean Lead Levels in the Atmosphere and in Blood from Data Published since 1977

Abstract

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References