Abstract  Childhood lead poisoning is a major, preventable environmental health problem. While residential lead-based paint and lead contaminated dust and soil are the most common sources of childhood lead poisoning, children can also be at risk if they live with an adult with a job or hobby that involves exposure to lead. Currently, the Oklahoma Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (OCLPPP) has a small number of cases of "take home" lead exposure in children of oil field workers. These workers may come in contact with a threading compound, "pipe dope" that can contain large amounts of lead. Workers handling this product may be exposed to lead by not following safety instructions. Additionally workers may not be provided the facilities to shower and change out of the contaminated clothing before leaving the work location. The OCLPPP recommends employers and worksites should consider effective alternative options like lead free biodegradable pipe dopes or dope free connections to prevent workers and their families from adverse health effects associated with lead.

Abstract  Elemental profiles of the local resuspended natural topsoil of Rome area have been studied. Relevant compositional differences were observed either among main geological domains and rock types of this area (volcanics, flysch, marlstone, travertine) or between the two considered dimensional fractions (50 gm and PM10 resuspended from the former). A significant enrichment in trace metals (especially Pb, Ni and Cr) has been observed in the PM10 resuspended fraction of either volcanics or sedimentary outcropping rocks; volcanics show larger trace metals enrichment than sedimentary. Profiles of this study have been compared with signatures of natural crustal dust of African origin (collected either in situ or at European receptor sites, including Rome and other sites in the Latium region) and with signatures of road dust, properly selected from literature. This comparison was performed for source apportionment goals, with the aim of improving discrimination among signatures of local and non-local natural crustal materials.

Elemental ratios of major and trace elements of geochemical relevance were used for the comparative study. Mg/Ca and Ti/Ca ratios appear successful in separating, by dispersion diagram, the resuspended fraction of local Rome geological topsoil from road dust and from long-range transported dust from Africa. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Lake sediments are valuable archives of atmospheric metal deposition, but the stability of some element profiles may possibly be affected by diagenetic changes over time. In this extensive case study, the stability of sedimentary Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn profiles was assessed in dated sediment cores that were collected in 2004 from four smelter-affected lakes near Flin Flon, Manitoba, which had previously been cored in 1985. Metal profiles determined in 1985 were in most cases clearly reproduced in the corresponding sediment layers in 2004, although small-scale spatial heterogeneity in metal distribution complicated the temporal comparisons. Pre-smelter (i.e. pre-1930) increases in metal profiles were likely the result of long-range atmospheric metal pollution, coupled with particle mixing at the 1930s sediment surface. However, the close agreement between key inflection points in the metal profiles sampled two decades apart suggests that metals in most of the lakes, and Hg and Zn in the most contaminated lake (Meridian), were stable once the sediments were buried below the surface mixed layer. Cadmium, Cu and Pb profiles in Meridian Lake did not agree as well between studies, showing evidence of upward remobilization over time. Profiles of redox-indicator elements (Fe, Mn, Mo and U) suggested that the rate of Mn oxyhydroxide recycling within sediment was more rapid in Meridian Lake, which may have caused the Cd, Cu and Pb redistribution.

Abstract  In May 2009, snowpit samples were collected from a high-elevation glacier in the Mt. Nyainqêntanglha region on the southern Tibetan Plateau. A set of elements (Al, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb) was analyzed to investigate the concentrations, deposition fluxes of trace elements, and the relative contributions from anthropogenic and natural sources deposited on the southern Tibetan Plateau. Concentrations of most of the trace elements in snowpit samples from the Zhadang glacier are significantly lower than those examined from central Asia (e.g., eastern Tien Shan), with higher concentrations during the non-monsoon season than during the monsoon season. The elements of Al, V, Cr, Mn, Co, and Ni display low crustal enrichment factors (EFs), while Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb show high EF values in the snow samples, suggesting anthropogenic inputs are potentially important for these elements in the remote, high-elevation atmosphere on the southern Tibetan Plateau. Together with the fact that the concentration levels of such elements in the Mt. Nyainqêntanglha region are significantly higher than those observed on the south edge of the Tibetan Plateau, our results suggest that the high-elevation atmosphere on the southern Tibetan Plateau may be more sensitive to variations in the anthropogenic emissions of atmospheric trace elements than that in the central Himalayas. Moreover, the major difference between deposition fluxes estimated in our snow samples and those recently measured at Nam Co Station for elements such as Cr and Cu may suggest that atmospheric deposition of some of trace elements reconstructed from snowpits and ice cores could be grossly underestimated on the Tibetan Plateau.

Abstract  An increase in heavy metal pollution in the soils of Gebze (Turkey) due to intense industrialization and urbanization has become a serious environmental problem. There are two large organized industrial zones in Gebze; the Gebze Organized Industrial Zone (GOIZ) and the Dilovasi Organized Industrial Zone (DOIZ). The region hosts several industrial facilities which are the main source for hazardous wastes which include paint, plastic, electric, metal, textile, wood, automotive supply industry, food, cosmetics, packing, machinery, and chemicals. Soil samples were collected from these two industrial zones and analyzed for their metal contents. Results of the analysis show that the soils are characterized by high concentrations of Cd, As, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr and Hg. Since concentrations of other elements do not exceed the permissible levels, they are not evaluated. Concentrations are 0.05-176 mg/kg of Cd, 10-1161 mg/kg of Cr, 7.87-725 mg/kg of Cu, 1.50-65.60 mg/kg of As, 17.07-8469 mg/kg of Pb, 1.96-10,000 mg/kg of Mn, 29.5-10,000 mg/kg of Zn, and 9-2721 mu g/kg of Hg. Application of factor, cluster and correlation analysis showed that heavy metal contamination in soils originates from industrial activities and heavy traffic which are of anthropogenic origin. Contaminations in soils were classified as geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor, contamination factor, and contamination degree. Integrated pollution index (IPI) values indicate that heavy metal pollution levels of soils collected from industrialization sites are greater than those from distal parts of industrialization. Spreading of hazardous wastes from industrial facilities in the study area via rain or wind is the main source of soil pollution. In addition, traffic-related metal pollution is also observed. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Road dust (RD) retained on noise barriers was used as a monitor of emission of traffic-related metals from expressway. By using SEM/EDX analysis it has been revealed that the main components of this particulate were irregular fine aggregates and tire debris with a ragged porous structure and with inclusions derived from the road surface. The results of chemical fractionation showed that driving conditions influence strongly a distribution pattern of Cu, whereas the atmospheric corrosion process affects a distribution pattern of Zn. The distribution pattern of Cu originating only from vehicle braking emission was "isolated" from the distribution pattern of road traffic copper. The predicted comparative mobilities of the emitted metals form the order: Zn > Cu ≈ Mn > Pb > Fe. The high mobility of zinc (K = 0.61) may create a current inhalation hazard and may be a source of future environmental hazard in the areas adjacent to heavily trafficked roads.

Abstract  Understanding how metal concentrations in soil have responded to reductions of anthropogenic emissions is essential for predicting potential ecosystem impacts and evaluating the effectiveness of pollution control legislation. The objectives of this study were to present new data and synthesize existing literature to document decreases in Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations in forest soils across the northeastern US. From measurements at 16 sites, we observed that forest floor Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations have decreased between 1980 and 2011 at an overall mean rate of 1.3±0.5% yr(-1). E-folding times, a concentration exponential decay rate (1/k), for Pb, Cu and Zn at the 16 sites were estimated to be 46±7, 76±20 and 81±19yr, respectively. Mineral soil concentrations were correlated with forest floor concentrations for Pb, but not for Cu and Zn, suggesting an accumulation in one pool does not strongly influence accumulation in the other. Forest floor Pb, Cu and Zn concentrations from our sites and 17 other studies conducted from 1970-2014 in remote forests across the northeastern US were compiled into pooled data sets. Significant decreasing trends existed for pooled forest floor Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations. The pooled forest floor Pb e-folding time was determined to be 33±9yrs, but the explanatory power of pooled Cu and Zn regressions were inadequate for calculating e-folding times (r(2)<0.25). Pooled Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations in forest floor were multiple-regressed with latitude, longitude, elevation, and year of sampling, cumulatively explaining 55, 38, and 28% of the variation across compiled studies. Our study suggests anthropogenic Pb in the forest floor will continue to decrease, but decreases in forest floor Cu and Zn concentrations may be masked by spatial heterogeneity or are at a new steady state.

Abstract  Aerosols formed during shooting events were studied with various techniques including the wide range size resolving sampling system Nano-ID® Select, followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and fast mobility particle sizing. The total lead mass aerosol concentration ranged from 2.2 to 72 µg m(-3). It was shown that the mass concentration of the most toxic compound lead is much lower than the total mass concentration. The deposition fraction in various compartments of the respiratory system was calculated using the ICRP lung deposition model. It was found that the deposition fraction in the alveolar range varies by a factor >3 for the various aerosols collected, depending on the aerosol size distribution and total aerosol concentration, demonstrating the importance of size resolved sampling in health risk evaluation. The proportion of the total mass of airborne particles deposited in the respiratory tract varies from 34 to 70%, with a median of 55.9%, suggesting the health risk based upon total mass significantly overestimates the accumulated dose and therefore the health risk. A comparison between conventional and so called 'green' ammunition confirmed significant lowering of concentrations of lead and other toxic metals like antimony in the atmosphere of indoor shooting ranges using 'green' ammunition, although higher concentrations of manganese and boron were measured. These metals are likely to be the constituents of new types of primers. They occur predominantly in the size fraction <250nm of aerosols.

Abstract  Limited information is available on the bioaccessible fraction of trace metals in the resuspended fraction of settled bus dust in order to estimate bus drivers' occupational exposure. In this study, 45 resuspended fraction of settled dust samples were collected from gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG) powered buses and analyzed for trace metals and their fraction concentrations using a three-step sequential extraction procedure. Experimental results showed that zinc (Zn) had the greatest bioaccessible fraction, recorded as an average of 608.53mg/kg, followed in order of decreasing concentration by 129.80mg/kg lead (Pb), 56.77mg/kg copper (Cu), 34.03mg/kg chromium (Cr), 22.05mg/kg nickel (Ni), 13.17mg/kg arsenic (As) and 2.77mg/kg cadmium (Cd). Among the three settled bus dust exposure pathways, ingestion was the main route. Total exposure hazard index (HIt) for non-carcinogenic effect trace metals was lower than the safety level of 1. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for drivers was estimated for trace metal exposure. Pb and Ni presented relatively high potential risks in the non-carcinogenic and potentially carcinogenic health assessment for all drivers. ILCR was in the range of 1.84E-05 to 7.37E-05 and 1.74E-05 to 6.95E-05 for gasoline and CNG buses, respectively.

Abstract  The chemical composition (43 elements) of aerosols is reviewed for the Caspian Sea based on nine samples taken in the winter and autumn of 2005. The aerosols are considered as geological material incoming to the sea from the atmosphere. The major aerosol components are distinguished and the degree of the concentration is calculated for a series of trace elements relative to their contents in the lithosphere. Se, Cd, Sb, Au, and Pb are concentrated by one-two orders of magnitude, which is related to the pollution. A correlation matrix is given for the studied elements, and their relations with the major components of the aerosols are revealed.

Abstract  Lead-paint concentration on specific surfaces (walls, floors, windowsills, etc.) in pre-1950 homes was measured using a hand-held X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscope. Surface lead was examined concomitantly using wipe sampling and XRE Lead was detected in all 147 samples via XRF; and of these, 29 (similar to 20%) revealed surface lead contamination via wipe sampling. Seventeen of the positive wipe samples were collected from surfaces with clear visible defects, while 12 samples were collected from surfaces with no visible defects. Curve fitting of surface to lead-paint concentrations generated empirical relationships that described the migration of lead from inner layers at locations with and without visible defects. Curve fitting indicated that lead migration was power-law dependent when surface defects were present and linear when no defects were visible. These correlations may assist surveyors in predicting lead migration to the surface from lead-paint concentration measured with a hand-held XRF instrument.

Abstract  The study of the vertical distribution of seven radionuclides in soils around a coal fired power plant in a mountain region in the north of Spain has been performed, in order to know if some deposition and migration of these radionuclides has taken place. Thirteen profiles of 30 cm depth have been selected, and every fraction of 5 cm has been analyzed until of a total of 72 soil samples. The activity concentration of (238)U, (226)Ra, (210)Pb, (232)Th, (224)Ra, (40)K and (137)Cs has been measured by gamma-ray spectrometry. The data were analyzed using multivariate statistical techniques, founding the best result when using a simple two-factor model, which can explain the 81.1% of the total variance. Additionally, on the basis of the significant differences found in the concentration of lead in the soil top and deep layers, the evaluation of excess of (210)Pb and the K-parameter was done. A good correlation between the excess of (210)Pb and the concentration of anthropogenic radionuclide (137)Cs in surface soil was found. These results confirm the atmospheric deposition of lead as a decay product of exhaled Rn.

Abstract  Atmospheric Total Suspended Particles (TSP) were sampled from 16 different points in a coastal industrial region in North Lebanon, between April and October 2008. The samples were analyzed for water soluble ions and metals concentrations using Ion Chromatography (IC.) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed possible natural contribution to aerosols through sea salt emissions (Na/Cl-/Mg), and crustal sources (K/Fe/Ti). However, ions such as NH4+, NO3-, and SO42- were attributed to secondary aerosols. Finally, the result of the enrichment factor analysis showed that vehicles' emissions (Zn/Cu/Pb/Ni/V/Cr), quarries (Ca), and phosphate rocks impurities (Zn/Cd/Cu/Pb) were the most important anthropogenic contributions to the metal's load in the aerosols.

Abstract  In order to develop strategies for controlling and reducing Arctic air pollution, there is a need to understand the basic mechanisms for determining the fate of air pollution in the Arctic. Sources of atmospheric particles at Station Nord (81 degrees 36'N, 16 degrees 40'W) in North East Greenland were evaluated for a two-year period from March 2008 to February 2010. Source apportionment using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) and COnstrained Physical REceptor Model (COPREM) was based on measurements of black carbon, elements (Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Pb) and inorganic ions (SO2, SO42-, Na+, NH4+, NO3-, Cl-). In general, source apportionment results by PMF and COPREM showed good agreement. Five sources adequately explained the measurements, which included a Marine and a Soil source of natural origin and three additional anthropogenic sources, which were all influenced by metal industries. One anthropogenic source was dominated by Zn of which air mass back trajectories using the Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYS-PLIT) model suggested a Canadian Arctic origin, despite certain influences from Southern and Eastern origins. Another anthropogenic source was characterised by high concentrations of Pb and As, which has been historically referred to as a Combustion source at Station Nord. The impacts of large-scale industry in Siberia, Russia were evident through high Cu concentrations in both the Combustion source and an additional Cu/Ni source. Br correlated well with the anthropogenic species S and Pb though the elements are unlikely to have a common origin. More likely, sulphuric acid aerosols serve as transport containers for Br species of marine origin. Of particular relevance to climate, sources of black carbon were identified to be mainly anthropogenic and most probably of Siberian origin (80-98 %).

Abstract  There is a lack of information of exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCP) and some metals, such as lead (Pb) and arsenic (As), both of which were used as arsenicals pesticides, in children living in the major agricultural areas of Mexico. The objective of this study was to assess the exposure of children to different OCP, As, and Pb in the Yaqui and Mayo valleys of Sonora to generate population baseline levels of these toxins. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 165 children (age 6-12 years old) from 10 communities from both valleys during 2009. Blood samples were analyzed for OCP and Pb and first morning void urine for inorganic As (InAs). All of the blood samples had detectable levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) ranging from 0.25 to 10.3 μg/L. However lindane, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), aldrin, and endosulfan were detected in far less of the population (36.4, 23.6, 9.1, and 3 %, respectively). Methoxychlor and endrin were not found in any sample. The average value of Pb in this population was 3.2 μg Pb/dL (range 0.17-9.0) with 8.5 % of the samples having levels <5.0 μg Pb/dL. Urinary As levels ranged from 5.4 to 199 μg As/L with an average value of 31.0 μg As/L. Levels > 50 μg/L were observed in 12.7 % of the samples. Our results show that is important to start a risk-reduction program to decrease exposure to these toxins in Mexican communities. In addition, the results can be used to establish the baseline levels of exposure to these toxins in this agricultural region and may be used as a reference point for regulatory agencies.

Abstract  Seedlings of mangrove plant Bruguiera gymnorrhiza cultured in sand with Hoagland's nutrient solution were treated with 1 to 30 mM Cd(NO3)2 or Pb(NO3)2 for 2 months. In all Cd/Pb treatments, the malondialdehyde content increased while the chlorophyll content declined. Peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in roots increased at moderate Cd/Pb concentrations (1-10 mM), whereas decreased at higher concentrations (20-30 mM). Catalase (CAT) activity in roots was inhibited by 1-10 mM Cd but enhanced by 1-10 mM Pb. The activities of POD, SOD and CAT in leaves were less affected by Cd and Pb than in roots. A new SOD and three CAT isoenzymes were induced by Pb. In contrast, no additional SOD and CAT isoenzymes were induced by Cd.

Abstract  Low level chronic exposure to toxicants is associated with a range of adverse health effects. Understanding the various factors that influence the chemical burden of an individual is of critical importance to public health strategies. We investigated the relationships between socioeconomic status (SES) and bio-monitored chemical concentration in five cross-sectional waves of the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We utilised adjusted linear regression models to investigate the association between 179 toxicants and the poverty income ratio (PIR) for five NHANES waves. We then selected a subset of chemicals associated with PIR in 3 or more NHANES waves and investigated potential mediating factors using structural equation modelling. PIR was associated with 18 chemicals in 3 or more NHANES waves. Higher SES individuals had higher burdens of serum and urinary mercury, arsenic, caesium, thallium, perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, mono(carboxyoctyl) phthalate and benzophenone-3. Inverse associations were noted between PIR and serum and urinary lead and cadmium, antimony, bisphenol A and three phthalates (mono-benzyl, mono-isobutyl, mono-n-butyl). Key mediators included fish and shellfish consumption for the PIR, mercury, arsenic, thallium and perfluorononanoic acid associations. Sunscreen use was an important mediator in the benzophenone-3/PIR relationship. The association between PIR and cadmium or lead was partially mediated by smoking, occupation and diet. These results provide a comprehensive analysis of exposure patterns as a function of socioeconomic status in US adults, providing important information to guide future public health remediation measures to decrease toxicant and disease burdens within society.

Abstract  The first aim of the study was to evaluate calculated dietary intake and concentrations measured in blood or urine of essential and toxic elements in relation to nutritional and toxicological reference values. The second aim was to identify patterns of the element concentrations in blood and urine and to identify possible dietary determinants of the concentrations of these elements. Adults with a known high consumption of environmental contaminants (n=111), and a random sample of controls (n=76) answered a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Complete data on biological measures were available for 179 individuals. Blood and urine samples were analyzed for selenium, iodine, arsenic, mercury, cadmium and lead. Principal component analysis was used to identify underlying patterns of correlated blood and urine concentrations. The calculated intakes of selenium, iodine, inorganic arsenic and mercury were within guideline levels. For cadmium 24% of the high consumer group and 8% of the control group had intakes above the tolerable weekly intake. Concentrations of lead in blood exceeded the bench-mark dose lower confidence limits for some participants. However, overall, the examined exposures did not give rise to nutritional or toxicological concerns. Game consumption was associated with lead in blood (Bln 0.021; 95%CI:0.010, 0.031) and wine consumption. Seafood consumption was associated with urinary cadmium in non-smokers (Bln 0.009; 95%CI:0.003, 0.015). A novel finding was a distinct pattern of positively associated biological markers, comprising iodine, selenium, arsenic and mercury (eigenvalue 3.8), reflecting seafood intake (B 0.007; 95%CI:0.004, 0.010). The study clearly demonstrates the significance of seafood as a source of both essential nutrients and toxic elements simultaneously and shows that exposure to various essential and toxic elements can be intertwined.

Abstract  Trace element accumulation is particularly important in coastal and transitional environments, which act as contaminant buffers between the continental and marine systems. We compared trace element transfer to the biota in two locations with different open-sea exposures in a semi-enclosed marine coastal area (Stagnone di Marsala, Sicily, Italy) using isotopically reconstructed food chains. Samples of sediment, macroalgae, seagrasses, invertebrates, fish, and bird feathers were sampled in July 2006 and analysed for stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ(13)C, δ(15)N) and trace elements (arsenic [As], cadmium [Cd], total mercury [THg], and lead [Pb]). Trophic magnification factors were calculated through the relationships between trace elements and δ(15)N in consumers. As and Pb were greater in organic matter sources (sediments and primary producers), whereas Cd and THg were greater in bird feathers. At the food chain level, an insignificant trophic transfer was found for all elements, suggesting biodilution rather than biomagnification. Sediments were more contaminated in the location with lower open-sea exposure. Macroalgae and seagrasses overall mirrored the spatial pattern highlighted in sediments, whereas differences between the two locations became further decreased moving toward higher trophic levels, indicating that trophic transfer of sediment and macrophyte-bound trace elements to the coastal lagoon food chain may be of relatively minor importance.

Abstract  The bioavailability of trace elements in soils is conditioned by both physico-chemical and biological parameters. In this study, the accumulation kinetics of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) were determined for 3 industrially impacted sites to assess the bioavailability of these contaminants to the garden snail (Cantareus aspersus). Mono and multivariate regressions allowed the identification of cation exchange capacity (CEC), silts and organic carbon content as the soil parameters modulating the in situ bioavailability of Cd and Pb. For all elements, the total concentrations in the soils were not good predictor (not significant correlation) of the bioavailability to snails. The Cd, As and Sb assimilation fluxes were correlated with the calcium chloride (CaCl2) extract concentrations, but this correlation was not observed with Pb. The total soil concentration coupled with soil properties best explained the variation in Pb assimilation, whereas their influences on Cd bioavailability were lower, signifying that other parameters such as contamination sources may modulate Cd bioavailability. Here, the As and Sb in situ accumulation kinetics are described for the first time and highlighted a slight bioavailability to snails at the studied sites. The absence of a correlation between the As or Sb assimilation fluxes and total metals in the soil coupled with the absence of influence of soil properties on their bioavailability may result from the speciation of these metalloids, which are known to modulate their mobility in soils. This study highlights the need to consider both physico-chemical and biological aspects of metal and metalloid bioavailability to assess the risk of metal transfer from soil to organisms.

Abstract  OBJECTIVE: We measured lead and other heavy metals in dust during older housing demolition and effectiveness of dust suppression. METHODS: We used American Public Housing Association Method 502 and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Methods SW3050B and SW6020 at 97 single-family housing demolition events with intermittent (or no) use of water to suppress dust at perimeter, non-perimeter, and locations without demolition, with nested mixed modeling and tobit modeling with left censoring. RESULTS: The geometric mean (GM) lead dust fall during demolition was 6.01 micrograms of lead per square foot per hour (μg Pb/ft(2)/hour). GM lead dust fall was 14.18 μg Pb/ft(2)/hour without dust suppression, but declined to 5.48 μg Pb/ft(2)/hour (p=0.057) when buildings and debris were wetted. Significant predictors included distance, wind direction, and main street location. At 400 feet, lead dust fall was not significantly different from background. GM lead concentration at demolition (2,406 parts per million [ppm]) was significantly greater than background (GM=579 ppm, p=0.05). Arsenic, chromium, copper, iron, and manganese demolition dust fall was significantly higher than background (p<0.001). Demolition of approximately 400 old housing units elsewhere with more dust suppression was only 0.25 μg Pb/ft(2)/hour. CONCLUSIONS: Lead dust suppression is feasible and important in single-family housing demolition where distances between houses are smaller and community exposures are higher. Neighbor notification should be expanded to at least 400 feet away from single-family housing demolition, not just adjacent properties. Further research is needed on effects of distance, potential water contamination, occupational exposures, and water application.

Abstract  Cytosolic profiles of several priority pollutant metals (Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb) and metalloid As were analyzed in the digestive gland of the mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) sampled at locations with different environmental pollution levels along the Croatian coast in the spring and summer season. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) connected to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine selected elements bound to cytosolic biomolecules separated based on their molecular size. Copper, cadmium and zinc eluted mostly associated with high molecular weight (HMW) and medium molecular weight (MMW) biomolecules, but with a more prominent elution in the MMW peak at polluted locations which were probably associated with the 20kDa metallothionein (MT). Elution of all three metals within this peak was also strongly correlated with cytosolic Cd as strong inducer of MT. Lead mostly eluted in HMW biomolecule range, but in elevated cytosolic Pb concentrations, significant amount eluted in low molecular weight (LMW) biomolecules. Arsenic, on the other hand eluted almost completely in LMW range, but we could not distinguish specific molecular weight biomolecules which would be predominant in detoxification mechanism. Seasonal variability in element abundance within specific peaks was present, although not in the same extent, for all elements and locations, especially for As. The results confirm the suitability of the distribution of selected metals/metalloids among different cytosolic ligands as potential indicator for metal exposure. Obtained findings can also serve as guidelines for further separation and characterization of specific cytosolic metal-binding biomolecules.

Abstract  Forty-seven years (1964-2010) of weekly trace metal and major ion concentrations in total suspended particle samples from Kevo, Finland were analyzed for long-term trends and by source identification methods. Significant long-term decreasing trends were detected for most species. The largest decreases over the 47 years were Sb (-3.90% yr(-1)), Pb (-3.87% yr(-1)), Mn (-3.45% yr(-1)), Cd (-3.42% yr(-1)), and Ca (-3.13% yr(-1)). As, Pb, and Cd concentrations at Kevo were consistent with the reported time-trends of European emissions inventories. Pb concentrations at Kevo have dramatically decreased (92%) in the past 47 years due to the reduced use of leaded gasoline in automobiles. Back-trajectory analysis suggests that the main source areas of anthropogenic species (V, Cd, Mn, Mo, Sb, Tl, W) were predominantly in Eastern Europe, European Russia, and the Baltics. Markers of stationary fuel combustion (V, Mn, Mo, Sb, Se, and Tl) pointed towards source regions in the Pechora Basin and Ural industrial areas in Russia, and near gas and oil fields in western Kazakhstan. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  The First National Environmental Health Survey of Child Care Centers was conducted to provide information about lead, allergen, and pesticide levels in licensed U.S. child care centers. Lead levels were measured in settled dust, paint, and play area soil; indoor allergen levels were measured in settled dust; and pesticide residues were measured on indoor surfaces and in play area soil. Fourteen percent of centers had significant lead hazards, suggesting that an estimated 470,000 children under age six (approximately 10% of all children in licensed centers) attend centers with significant lead hazards. Approximately 5% of centers had levels of allergens associated with asthma and allergic conditions. Three-quarters of centers had pesticides applied (either indoors or outdoors) during the previous year. Although most centers did not appear to present risks from lead and allergens, some centers did have unsafe levels of these contaminants. These conclusions cannot be generalized to unlicensed child care arrangements.

Abstract  We report concentrations, enrichment factors, and hazard indicators of 11 metals (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, In, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in soil and dust surface matrices from formal and informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling sites around Metro Manila, the Philippines, referring to soil guidelines and previous data from various e-waste recycling sites in Asia. Surface dust from e-waste recycling sites had higher levels of metal contamination than surface soil. Comparison of formal and informal e-waste recycling sites (hereafter, "formal" and "informal") revealed differences in specific contaminants. Formal dust contained a mixture of serious pollutant metals (Ni, Cu, Pb, and Zn) and Cd (polluted modestly), quite high enrichment metals (Ag and In), and crust-derived metals (As, Co, Fe, and Mn). For informal soil, concentration levels of specific metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were similar among Asian recycling sites. Formal dust had significantly higher hazardous risk than the other matrices (p<0.005), excluding informal dust (p=0.059, almost significant difference). Thus, workers exposed to formal dust should protect themselves from hazardous toxic metals (Pb and Cu). There is also a high health risk for children ingesting surface matrices from informal e-waste recycling sites.