Lead in the body
• Measuring
– Methods: blood levels, x-ray refraction (bone)
– Appropriate biological sampling:
• bone, blood: long term
• Urine: short term only
• High dose (>80µg/dl):
– Affects blood-brain barrier, leading to increased
intracranial pressure (lead encephalopathy)
– Seizure, mental retardation, death
• Low dose: impaired cognitive function
– Current limit in US is 10 µg/dl