ABSTRACT
Lead (Pb) may be released into the general environment as a result of automobiles using leaded gasoline as an antiknock agent (1), lead-containing paint (2), water due to lead solder in water pipe systems (2), and atmospheric emissions of lead for industrial sources such as smelters (1). In recent years, the atmospheric releases of lead have been reduced in many countries owing to the removal of lead from gasoline and restrictions on the release of lead from point sources. Lead-based paint is still a problem in some countries, such as the United States, as a result of its use in older housing stocks. The decreased use of lead solder in water systems has greatly reduced exposure to lead from this source.
