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Kamenov GD, Swaringen BF, Cornwell DA, McTigue NE, Roberts SM, Bonzongo JCJ. High-precision Pb isotopes of drinking water lead pipes: Implications for human exposure to industrial Pb in the United States. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 871:162067. [PMID: 36758690 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Millions of lead (Pb) pipes are still used in the drinking water distribution systems in many regions in the world. Human exposure to Pb from contaminated drinking water continues to be of concern in the United States (U.S.), as illustrated by the widely publicized "Flint Water Crisis" in 2015. The Pb isotopic composition of Pb-pipes potentially can be useful to identify human exposure to Pb from lead service lines (LSLs). In addition, as the LSLs were likely manufactured from similar industrial Pb sources as other Pb objects and materials in the USA, the Pb-pipes isotope data can provide information about the overall isotopic composition of the U.S. industrial Pb. In this work we present high-precision Pb isotope data from Pb-pipes excavated from different U.S. municipalities. The Pb-pipes show an extremely wide range of Pb isotopic compositions, with 206Pb/204Pb ranging from 17.004 to 22.010, 207Pb/204Pb from 15.460 to 15.921, and 208Pb/204Pb from 36.687 to 41.120. The wide isotope range is observed even in a single town, suggesting that no regional Pb isotope patterns can be expected within the continental USA. However, the high-precision MC-ICP-MS Pb data form a clear linear trend that, depending on the context, can be used to identify human Pb exposure. Furthermore, as the linear trend is a result of utilization of Pb ores from different domestic and international sources and secondary recycling of metallic Pb, it is likely representative of the overall isotopic composition of the U.S. industrial Pb pool. Therefore, the identified trend is the most accurate isotope representation of the U.S. anthropogenic Pb at present and can be used as first-order evaluation to determine if a person with elevated blood Pb levels was exposed to U.S. industrial Pb sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- George D Kamenov
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Benjamin F Swaringen
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - David A Cornwell
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Cornwell Engineering Group, Newport News, VA, USA
| | | | - Stephen M Roberts
- Center for Environmental & Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jean-Claude J Bonzongo
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Laycock A, Chenery S, Marchant E, Crabbe H, Saei A, Ruadze E, Watts M, Leonardi GS, Marczylo T. The Use of Pb Isotope Ratios to Determine Environmental Sources of High Blood Pb Concentrations in Children: A Feasibility Study in Georgia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15007. [PMID: 36429725 PMCID: PMC9690981 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of lead (Pb) poisoning in children in Georgia has been identified as a major health concern, with a recent national survey identifying that 41% of children aged 2-7 years had blood lead concentrations (BLCs) greater than the blood lead reference value (BLRV) of ≥5 µg dL-1. This study collected samples of blood, spices, paint, soil, dust, flour, tea, toys, milk, and water from 36 households in Georgia where a child had previously been identified as having a BLC > BLRV. The Pb concentrations of these samples were determined and compared to Georgian reference values. Samples from 3 households were analysed for their Pb isotope composition. The Pb isotope composition of the environmental and blood samples were compared to identify the most likely source(s) of Pb exposure. This approach identified that some spice and dust samples were the likely sources of Pb in the blood in these cases. Importantly, some soil, paint, and dust sources with high Pb concentrations could be discounted as contributing to blood Pb based on their distinct isotope composition. The data presented demonstrate the significant contribution that Pb surveillance and Pb isotope ratio analyses can make to managing Pb exposure in regions where high BLCs are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Laycock
- UK Health Security Agency, Chemical, Radiation and Environmental Hazards Directorate, Harwell Campus, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Simon Chenery
- British Geological Survey, Kingsley Durham Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Elizabeth Marchant
- UK Health Security Agency, Chemical, Radiation and Environmental Hazards Directorate, Harwell Campus, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Helen Crabbe
- UK Health Security Agency, Chemical, Radiation and Environmental Hazards Directorate, Harwell Campus, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Ayoub Saei
- UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Ekaterine Ruadze
- The National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, #99 Kakheti Highway, Tbilisi 0198, Georgia
| | - Michael Watts
- British Geological Survey, Kingsley Durham Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Giovanni S. Leonardi
- UK Health Security Agency, Chemical, Radiation and Environmental Hazards Directorate, Harwell Campus, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Tim Marczylo
- UK Health Security Agency, Chemical, Radiation and Environmental Hazards Directorate, Harwell Campus, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK
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Kershner EK, Tobarran N, Chambers A, Wills BK, Cumpston KL. Retained bullets and lead toxicity: a systematic review. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2022; 60:1176-1186. [PMID: 36074021 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2022.2116336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lead toxicity secondary to retained bullet(s) (RB) after a penetrating gunshot wound is a rare but likely underdiagnosed condition, given the substantial number of firearm injuries in the United States. There is currently no consensus on the indications for surveillance, chelation, or surgical intervention. OBJECTIVE The purpose of our review is to summarize the literature on systemic lead toxicity secondary to RBs to help guide clinicians in the management of these patients. METHODOLOGY The primary literature search was conducted in Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane, and CENTRAL using the following MESH terms: "chelation" and "lead poisoning" or "lead toxicity" or "lead" and "bullet" or "missile" or "gunshot", or "bullet". RESULTS The search identified 1,082 articles. After exclusions, a total of 142 articles were included in our final review, the majority of which were case reports. Several factors appear to increase the risk of developing lead toxicity including the location of the RB, the presence of a fracture or recent trauma, number of fragments, hypermetabolic states, and bullet retention duration. Particularly, RBs located within a body fluid compartment like an intra-articular space appear to be at a substantially higher risk of developing lead toxicity. Even though patients with lead toxicity from RBs will have similar symptoms to patients with lead toxicity from other sources, the diagnosis of lead poisoning may occur months or years after a gunshot wound. Symptomatic patients with high blood lead levels (BLLs) tended to improve with a combination of chelation and surgical removal of RBs. CONCLUSIONS We suggest surveillance with serial BLLs should be performed. Patients with intra-articular RBs appear to be at increased risk of lead toxicity and if possible, early surgical removal of the RBs is warranted, especially given that signs of toxicity are vague, and patients may not have access to follow-up. Long-term chelation should not be used as a surgical alternative and management should be multidisciplinary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Kershner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Clinical Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, USA.,Virginia Poison Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Natasha Tobarran
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Clinical Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, USA.,Virginia Poison Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Andrew Chambers
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Clinical Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, USA.,Virginia Poison Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Brandon K Wills
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Clinical Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, USA.,Virginia Poison Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kirk L Cumpston
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Clinical Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, USA.,Virginia Poison Center, Richmond, VA, USA
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Swaringen BF, Gawlik E, Kamenov GD, McTigue NE, Cornwell DA, Bonzongo JCJ. Children's exposure to environmental lead: A review of potential sources, blood levels, and methods used to reduce exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112025. [PMID: 34508773 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Lead has been used for thousands of years in different anthropogenic activities thanks to its unique properties that allow for many applications such as the manufacturing of drinking water pipes and its use as additives to gasoline and paint. However, knowledge of the adverse impacts of lead on human health has led to its banning from several of its applications, with the main goal of reducing environmental pollution and protecting human health. Human exposure to lead has been linked to different sources of contamination, resulting in high blood lead levels (BLLs) and adverse health implications, primarily in exposed children. Here, we present a summary of a literature review on potential lead sources affecting blood levels and on the different approaches used to reduce human exposure. The findings show a combination of different research approaches, which include the use of inspectors to identify problematic areas in homes, collection and analysis of environmental samples, different lead detection methods (e.g. smart phone applications to identify the presence of lead and mass spectrometry techniques). Although not always the most effective way to predict BLLs in children, linear and non-linear regression models have been used to link BLLs and environmental lead. However, multiple regressions and complex modelling systems would be ideal, especially when seeking results in support of decision-making processes. Overall, lead remains a pollutant of concern and many children are still exposed to it through environmental and drinking water sources. To reduce exposure to lead through source apportionment methods, recent technological advances using high-precision lead stable isotope ratios measured on multi-collector induced coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) instruments have created a new direction for identifying and then eliminating prevalent lead sources associated with high BLLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin F Swaringen
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Emory Gawlik
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - George D Kamenov
- Dept. of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Nancy E McTigue
- Cornwell Engineering Group, 712 Gum Rock Ct, Newport News, VA 23606, USA
| | - David A Cornwell
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA; Cornwell Engineering Group, 712 Gum Rock Ct, Newport News, VA 23606, USA
| | - Jean-Claude J Bonzongo
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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Gorski PR, Scott SR, Lemley EM. Application of Stable Isotopic Ratio Analysis to Identify the Cause of Acute Versus Chronic Lead Poisoning of a Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus): A Case Study. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 106:250-256. [PMID: 33388832 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-020-03064-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We utilized lead (Pb) stable isotopes to identify the source of acute Pb poisoning in a Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) and evaluated overall Pb exposure. Upon necropsy, we obtained samples of blood, liver, kidney, heart, thigh, breast, femur, and metallic objects (i.e., fishing sinker, spring and swivels) from the gizzard for Pb isotopic analysis. Pb isotope ratios of blood and soft tissues were essentially identical to the Pb ratios of the sinker, the likely source of acute poisoning. The spring and swivels had lower Pb content and ratios distinct from tissue, suggesting no significant contribution to poisoning. Femur Pb isotopic composition was the most distinct biological sample and indicative of a combination of sources. These results demonstrate isotopic analysis as a viable method for determining the source of acute Pb poisoning, and that Pb isotope ratios in bone most likely record a lifetime-averaged metric of Pb exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R Gorski
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, 2601 Agriculture Dr., Madison, WI, 53718, USA.
- WI Department of Natural Resources, 101 S. Webster St., Madison, WI, 53703, USA.
| | - Sean R Scott
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, 2601 Agriculture Dr., Madison, WI, 53718, USA
| | - Erin M Lemley
- Dane County Humane Society, Wildlife Center, 5132 Voges Rd., Madison, WI, 53718, USA
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Tong S, Meija J, Zhou L, Methven B, Mester Z, Yang L. High-Precision Measurements of the Isotopic Composition of Common Lead Using MC-ICPMS: Comparison of Calibration Strategies Based on Full Gravimetric Isotope Mixture and Regression Models. Anal Chem 2019; 91:4164-4171. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuoyun Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, School of Earth Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, People’s Republic of China
- National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Juris Meija
- National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Lian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, School of Earth Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, People’s Republic of China
| | - Brad Methven
- National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Zoltán Mester
- National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Lu Yang
- National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada
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