Extraction of lead from printed matter at physiological values of pH

In an in vitro laboratory study of the extractability of lead in printed matter it was found that dangerous quantities of lead, up to 200 mug, could be extracted from "small" pieces of printed paper at pH values in the range of human gastric fluid. Lead was not extracted at pH values in the range of human saliva. Children who chew printed matter may not be in danger of absorbing lead, but the pica-prone child who swallows printed material may be at risk of absorbing excessive amounts of this toxic metal. The use of printing inks containing high-lead levels should be discouraged.