ANNOUNCEMENTS
This research was initiated to develop and compare the exposure profile of an urban and rural population samples arising from heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, and Ni) toxicity. Levels of heavy metals in food items typically consumed in the study area were analyzed to assess the dietary intake of heavy metals. Specifically six food groups (leafy vegetables, non-leafy vegetables, fruits, pulses, cereals and milk) and drinking water were considered for the study. Besides ingestion, intake of heavy metals by inhalation is also a significant source. To quantify this source, air concentrations of heavy metals were measured by sampling particulate matter in ambient air. This was followed by risk characterization using the Monte Carlo simulation, which would estimate the probability distribution of heavy metal intake in adults and children. Results of this simulation suggested that the maximum risk was from lead and that the urban population experienced a risk 2-3 times higher than the rural population. Among the cohorts taken for the study (children, adult male and female) children faced the greatest risk; hence the study also aimed to estimate blood lead levels, a biomarker of lead toxicity.
The estimated lead intake was translated into the resultant blood lead concentrations for children and adults using a PBPK (Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic) model. The blood lead levels (PbB) of the population were analyzed and compared with estimated levels.
In this study the probability of exceeding the safe blood lead level was examined for children and adults and found to be 0.3 x 10^-3 and 2.4 x 10^-4 for the urban and rural children, respectively.
