High lead level in the Alps in XIXth century, learning from the analysis of 138 historical hair stands

Flushing tap water is often promoted as a simple and low cost approach to reducing water lead exposures. This study evaluated lead reduction when prevailing flush guidelines (30 seconds-2 minutes) are implemented in a city compliant with lead-associated water regulations (New Orleans, LA). Water samples (n=1,497) collected from a convenience sample of 376 residential sites (2015-2017) were analyzed for lead in samples collected: at 1) first draw (n=375), and after incremental flushes of 2) 30-45 seconds (n=375), 3) 2.5-3 minutes (n=373), and 4) 5.5-6 minutes (n=218). There was no significant reduction when compared to the first draw lead level, until the 6 minute flush (p<0.05); but most sites (52%) still had detectable lead (≥1 ppb) after 6 minutes. Older homes (pre-1950) and low occupancy sites had significantly higher WLLs (p<0.05).Each sample type had health-based standard exceedances at over 50% of sites sampled (max: 58 ppb). While flushing is an effective short-term approach to remediate high lead, prevailing flush recommendations are an inconsistently effective exposure prevention measure that can often inadvertently increase exposures. Public health messages should be modified to ensure appropriate application of flushing for specific cities, while acknowledging its short-comings and practical limitations.

Download Full-text

Occurrence and dissipation of high lead level episodes in the lower Mississippi River

Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part A Environmental Science and Engineering ◽

10.1080/10934528509375232 ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 395-417

Author(s):

I.A. Kahwa ◽

E.J. Newchurch

Keyword(s):

Mississippi River ◽

Lead Level ◽

Lower Mississippi River ◽

High Lead

Download Full-text

Concentrations of heavy metals (Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, Ag, Pb) in coffee.

Acta Biochimica Polonica ◽

10.18388/abp.2013_2031 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 60 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Arkadiusz Nędzarek ◽

Agnieszka Tórz ◽

Beata Karakiewicz ◽

Jeremy Simon Clark ◽

Maria Laszczyńska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽

Disease Burden ◽

Lead Level ◽

Ionic Content ◽

Precise Control ◽

Plasma Technique ◽

Icp Ms ◽

Coffee Beans ◽

Heavy Drinkers ◽

High Lead

Technologies involved in roasting coffee beans, as well as the methods used to prepare infusions, vary according to culture, and contribute to differences in the concentration of elements in the drink. Concentrations of six elements: manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), chrome (Cr), silver (Ag) and lead (Pb) were investigated in coffee infusions from eleven samples of coffee, roasted and purchased in four countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Lebanon and Poland. Metal concentrations were determined using an induction coupled plasma technique in combination with mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, Perkin Elmer) which measures total metal (ionic and non-ionic) content. Metal intake estimated for individual countries (in the respective order; mean consumption per person per year) was as follows: Mn: 26.8-33.1, 28.3-29.5, 29.7, 12.6-18.9 mg; Co: 0.33-0.48, 0.42-0.35, 0.32, 0.12-0.17 mg; Ni: 3.83-5.68, 4.85-5.51, 4.04, 2.06-2.24 mg; Cr: 0.17-0.41, 0.21-0.47, 0.17, 0.09-0.28 mg; Ag: 0.16-1.13, 0.26-0.70, 0.61, 0.33-1.54 mg, Pb: 4.76-7.56, 3.59-5.13, 3.33, 1.48-2.43 mg. This finding gives new data for Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, and Ag intake from coffee , and suggests that the amounts are negligible. However, the data for Pb consumption in heavy drinkers, for example in Bosnia and Herzegovina, indicate that Pb intake from coffee may contribute to the disease burden. The high lead level in some coffees suggests the need for a more precise control of coffee contamination.

Download Full-text

A Ceramic Glazer Presenting with Extremely High Lead Levels

Human Toxicology ◽

10.1177/096032718800700211 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 171-174 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

D.S. Ooi ◽

S.L. Perkins

Keyword(s):

Lead Level ◽

Lead Toxicity ◽

Blood Lead ◽

Oral Route ◽

Interesting Pattern ◽

Elevated Liver Enzymes ◽

Normocytic Anaemia ◽

Lead Levels ◽

High Level ◽

High Lead

A case of lead poisoning in a ceramic glazer is reported. The patient had an extremely high level of blood lead at 29.5 μmol/l, and many of the laboratory features of lead toxicity: normocytic anaemia with marked basophilic stippling, abnormal blood and urinary porphyrins, and elevated liver enzymes. Surprisingly, the patient had no electromyographic evidence of neurologic involvement. The patient was treated with intravenous EDTA-calcium followed by oral penicillamine. Urinary porphyrin and porphyrin precursor excretion followed an interesting pattern, correlating with the chelator used. This patient illustrates that extremely high blood lead level can be achieved through the oral route in an adult.

Download Full-text

Effectiveness of Prevailing Flush Guidelines to Prevent Exposure to Lead in Water

10.20944/preprints201805.0405.v2 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Adrienne Katner ◽

Kelsey Pieper ◽

Komal Brown ◽

Hui-Yi Lin ◽

Jeffrey Parks ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Orleans ◽

Tap Water ◽

Low Cost ◽

Lead Level ◽

Sample Type ◽

Short Term ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Prevention Measure ◽

Public Health Messages ◽

High Lead

Flushing tap water is often promoted as a simple and low cost approach to reducing water lead exposures. This study evaluated lead reduction when prevailing flush guidelines (30 seconds-2 minutes) are implemented in a city compliant with lead-associated water regulations (New Orleans, LA). Water samples (n=1,497) collected from a convenience sample of 376 residential sites (2015-2017) were analyzed for lead in samples collected: at 1) first draw (n=375), and after incremental flushes of 2) 30-45 seconds (n=375), 3) 2.5-3 minutes (n=373), and 4) 5.5-6 minutes (n=218). There was no significant reduction when compared to the first draw lead level, until the 6 minute flush (p<0.05); but most sites (52%) still had detectable lead (≥1 ppb) after 6 minutes. Older homes (pre-1950) and low occupancy sites had significantly higher WLLs (p<0.05).Each sample type had health-based standard exceedances at over 50% of sites sampled (max: 58 ppb). While flushing is an effective short-term approach to remediate high lead, prevailing flush recommendations are an inconsistently effective exposure prevention measure that can often inadvertently increase exposures. Public health messages should be modified to ensure appropriate application of flushing for specific cities, while acknowledging its short-comings and practical limitations.

Download Full-text