Lead contamination in smelting and mining environments and variations in chemical forms and bioavailability

Abstract

The extent of the literature regarding lead pollution in mining and smelting regions is considerable. Most research in the field has centred around levels of lead observed in the exterior and home environments and on the main sources and pathways of exposure, particularly in young children. A smaller body of research has focussed on important questions regarding the chemical forms of lead found in the environment, on lead bioavailability and on the possible connections between the two. Lead compounds found in smelter areas are largely different to the phases observed in mining areas. Lead bioavailability appears to be low in mining areas relative to smelter and urban environments and some authors have suggested that variations in chemical form and particle size may help to explain this difference.