High precision blood lead radiogenic isotope signatures in a community exposed to Pb contaminated soils and implications for the current Pb exposure of the European population

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174763
• Publication Date: 2024-08-02T23:57:43Z
• Authors: Jérôme C.J. Petit; Nadine Mattielli; Jeroen De Jong; Elodie Bouhoulle; Wendy Debouge; Patrick Maggi; Geneviève Hublet; Nathalie Fagel; Catherine Pirard; Corinne Charlier; Remy Suzanne
• Keywords: Radiogenic nuclide; Lead (geology)

Our study provides the most comprehensive dataset for high-precision radiogenic isotopes of lead (Pb) in blood western European population. It investigates their potential elucidating contribution soil Pb to using a human biomonitoring survey involving 81 adults and 4 children living urban area Liège (Belgium). Soils show moderate (median 360 mg/kg) high (95th percentile 1000 concentrations, due former metal processing activities. Blood levels (BLL) measured population are, on average, quantitatively consistent with ∼ 20 % increase exposure from soils, as estimated by single-compartment biokinetic model. Consistently, its isotopic composition does not represent an endmember that fully accounts variability isotope (BLI) compositions While some individuals more thorogenic BLI ratios (relatively enriched 208Pb), which could be greater local soils and/or country birth, data mostly follow trend roughly parallel Standard Lead Pollution (ESLP) line, within leaded gasoline field, even two decades after withdrawal this source. Differences are probably associated factors related presence dwellings (pipes, paint) drinking water distribution system, suggesting anthropogenic use, relevant exposure, may contain ore components different origins, including Australian signature.