Question: Which methods are available to determine cumulative doses (as opposed to single acute doses) of lead in humans?
Answer: The cited reference points out that measurement of bone lead via the use of K-shell X-ray fluorescence is one method to determine cumulative lead dose in humans. These authors also point out “……….an acceptable surrogate for cumulative lead dose that does not require KXRF measurement of lead in bone can be derived by using repeated measures of blood lead over time of exposure to derive time-integrated indices such as working lifetime time-integrated blood lead levels [IBL—the area under the curve of blood lead vs. time, also termed cumulative blood lead index (CBLI)] (Hu H et al. The epidemiology of lead toxicity in adults: Measuring dose and consideration of other methodologic issues. 2007 Env Health Persp 115(3): 455-462)
Question: Which methods are available to determine cumulative doses (as opposed to single acute doses) of lead in humans?