Multimedia lead exposure and associated risk assessment in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Conference · Thu Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:679350

Sarwar, M ^[1]

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1. Union Carbide Corp., Hahnville, LA (United States). Taft Plant

Motor vehicles consume the largest amount of leaded gasoline in Bangladesh. The number of vehicles and fuel consumption have increased significantly in recent years. These vehicles, which are believed to be the major sources of lead emissions in Dhaka, may cause an excessive level of lead exposure in children. The paper describes the results of a study conducted to determine risk associated with the multimedia lead exposure for children in Dhaka. Specifically, data related to lead content in air and soil in Dhaka were collected and used to estimate the blood lead levels in children. The Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetics Model, developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), was used. Bangladesh is yet to adopt any blood lead standards. The results of the study indicated that the model predicted geometric blood lead levels in children in Dhaka are significantly below the blood lead standard recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). It was also found that children in Dhaka are not expected to contain blood lead levels higher than the WHO recommended standard.

• OSTI ID: 679350
• Report Number(s): CONF-980632--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
AIR POLLUTION
BANGLADESH
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
CHILDREN
EMISSION
LEAD
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
POLLUTION SOURCES
RISK ASSESSMENT