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Lead Source Attribution by Stable Isotope Analysis in Child Risk Assessment Investigations

Abstract

Lead isotope analysis (LIA) is a promising technique for identifying potential sources of lead exposure among children with lead poisoning that are not revealed via traditional lead risk assessment methods. A total of six Wisconsin children with blood lead levels (BLLs) ≥10 µg/dl were included in this case series. Lead isotope ratios from blood and environmental samples were analyzed using a multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) to determine exposure source. LIA identified likely sources of lead poisoning: lead-based paint, dust, imported spices, ceremonial objects, or mixtures of these sources. LIA both corroborated findings from standard lead risk assessment and identified novel sources. LIA using high-precision MC-ICP-MS can identify and exclude sources of exposure when interpreted alongside traditional lead risk assessment approaches. Furthermore, LIA can serve as a useful tool in identifying and eliminating lead exposures in poisoning cases, particularly when traditional methods fail to identify the likely cause. 

Supplemental Text: Additional Methods | PDF 
Supplemental Table | PDF 

Volume: 85
Number: 9
Pages: 8-19
Published: May 2023

Authors

  • Summer Shaw, MPH, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services 
  • Sean Scott, PhD, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene 
  • Maeve Pell, MPH, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services; University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health 
  • Jeff Raiche-Gill, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services; University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health 
  • Carrie Tomasallo, MPH, PhD, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services 
  • Jonathan Meiman, MD, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services 

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