Dermal exposure to lead
Environmental contamination is mostly a result of man’s use of lead and has given rise to concern. Lead uptake can occur via inhalation and ingestion exposure. Although dermal absorption is thought to be minimal, it is still important as it can contribute to ingestion exposure due to transfer from the skin to the mouth via the fingers.
*The IOM carried out a study on behalf of the Lead Development Association International to investigate the potential exposure to lead arising from skin contact with lead in the form of lead sheeting and lead ingots. Experiments were carried out in the laboratory and at two Historic Scotland sites near Edinburgh. Lead is also used in PVC as a stabiliser and previous reports have suggested that lead may be available for human exposure. The PVC industry has agreed to phase out the use of lead stabilisers by 2015. The IOM also investigated the potential for dermal exposure from handling PVC window frames to compare this with dermal exposure from handling lead sheet.
Low level dermal lead exposure was observed after handling lead material in the laboratory setting and touching lead materials at two Historic Scotland sites. In addition, results suggest that low levels of lead are available for dermal uptake from the surface of the both old and newer samples of PVC window frames. However, levels were low and unlikely to be a significant public health concern.
*The IOM Research Report 'Assessment of dermal exposure to inorganic lead caused by direct skin contact with lead sheet and moulded PVC profiles' (TM/06/04) is available for free download here.