Environmental Factors Contributing to The Body Burden of Lead as Determined By In Vivo X-Ray Fluorescence

Abstract

Human exposure to lead may induce a variety of adverse effects on health including haematological, neurobehavioural, cardiovascular and renal changes and therefore continues to be a public health concern (Needleman 1989). Lead is dispersed in the environment from where it may be inhaled or ingested by man. Environmental exposure may arise from a number of potential sources: typically industrial emissions, exhaust from petrol engines, drinking water, foodstuffs, paint, soldered cans, lead glazed earthenware, dust and soil. A further source is tobacco smoke.