The importance of lead‐in‐air as an exposure source‐an assessment for children in Edinburgh

Abstract

The importance of lead‐in‐air as a direct source of exposure for 6–9 year old children is assessed using weekly lead‐in‐air concentrations measured at three sites in Edinburgh over the period April 1983 ‐ May 1984. The selection of sampling locations to be representative of average or ‘typical’ exposure is crucial to this assessment. Seasonal variations in the lead in air values also need to be allowed for. Two different approaches are used in the assessment, and both indicate that lead‐in‐air is a minor source of exposure. This is not, though, a reflection on the importance of lead in petrol, which can contribute to exposure by other pathways.