Identification of sources of lead exposure among children in Arar, Saudi Arabia

SUMMARY. The concentrations of lead and the isotopic ratios of lead, 206Pb:207Pb, were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry in environmental specimens, cosmetics and traditional remedies. The ratios were compared with those found in blood samples of Saudi children who had increased concentrations of total blood lead. The isotopic ratios in the blood specimens (1·144±0·027) were not significantly different from those determined in cosmetics and remedies (1. 152 ± O'031) and indicated that these were the likely sources of exposure rather than the lead contained in petrol which had an isotopic ratio of I · 207. Additional key phrases: inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; isotopic lead ratio; traditional cosmetics and remedies In an earlier project we found that 25 of 108 children (25%) who attended a hospital outpatient clinic in the northern Saudi town of Arar had in-creased concentrations of lead in blood. ' Analysis of air, water, food, home environment and othe