Variation of the Pb206/207 isotopic ratio in the atmospheric particulate and its environmental and biological implications
- 1 July 1989
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Toxicological & Environmental Chemistry
- Vol. 24 (1) , 49-56
- https://doi.org/10.1080/02772248909357476
Abstract
The I.L.E. (Isotopic Lead Experiment), in which the Pb contained in petrol as an anti‐knock substance with an isotopic ratio 206/207=1.18 was replaced by lead with 206/207 = 1.04 allowed us, over some years, to study the percentage contribution from metal of vehicular origin in the total quantity contained above all in the human body. This work has used isotopic measurements obtained by mass spectrometry in a series of follow‐up blood samples taken in the same urban and surrounding areas as those studied in the I.L.E. Benefitting from the long‐lasting presence of Pb, a non‐biodegradable element, in the environment, it was possible to come to some conclusions concerning the life of this pollutant, describing its environmental and biological paths and verifying its mechanisms of absorption, accumulation and excretion. The data obtained suggest one important conclusion: non‐biodegradable polluting lead can be recycled several times by man and constitutes a greater source of risk than was assumed, as a single molecule can come into contact with the human organism several times, so multiplying the statistical probability of possible effects or damage.Keywords
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