Re: LEAD HAZARDS

["James Ogden" <JOGDEN@brc1.tdh.state.tx.us>]

Hi all:

In a previous life I was charged with Environmental Lead
investigations - mostly concerning childhood lead poisoning.

One of these cases did involve a young girl with a blodd lead of 45
microgram/deciliter.  The only definite cause found during the
investigation was the girl's father - a fisherman who carried lead
fishing sinkers in his pockets with artificial baits (rubbery worms,
minnows, etc.).

The girl was known to eat the rubbery artificial baits and when
analyzed contained high amounts of surface lead due to association
with the lead carried in her father's pockets.  A secondary (more
likely) primary cause was the presence and use of deep charge marine
lead-acid batteries which were stored in the family garage.  However,
the family stated that the chid was never allowed in the garage -
even though numerous children's toys were found directly within reach
of the batteries.

Laboratory analyzes of the sample arthficial baits however, did
conclude that the girl could have become lead poisoned due to the
baits which really absorbed lead particles when in contact with lead
shot sinkers in the father's pocket.

James H. Ogden, Jr., Deputy Director
X-Ray and Non-ionizing Enforcement
  and Inspection
INTERNET Address (jogden@brc1.tdh.state.tx.us)
(512) 834-6688 ext 2036
(512) 834-6654 FAX