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Leaded windows as a source of lead within homes
A S al-Radady1, B E Davies, M J French
1Department of Environmental Science, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
The Science of the Total Environment
|April 15, 1993
Summary
Corrosion of leaded window cames is a new source of household lead. Lead dust concentrates near windows, primarily basic lead carbonate, decreasing significantly beyond 3 meters.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Lead exposure in homes is a significant public health concern.
- Older homes often contain lead-based materials, posing risks.
- The specific contribution of leaded window components to indoor lead contamination was previously unquantified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify previously unreported sources of lead in indoor environments.
- To investigate the role of leaded window 'cames' (binding strips) in lead contamination.
- To determine the primary mechanism of lead release from leaded windows.
Main Methods:
- Dust and condensation water samples were collected from homes with leaded windows.
- Lead content in dust and water was analyzed.
- Dust composition was identified using X-ray diffraction.
- Laboratory simulations were conducted to model lead release mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Corrosion of leaded window cames was identified as a significant source of indoor lead.
- Lead dust concentration was highest near windows, diminishing rapidly with distance.
- Dust near windows was primarily basic lead carbonate.
- Condensation water from leaded windows contained substantial lead, unlike unleaded windows.
Conclusions:
- Corrosion of leaded window cames is a previously unrecognized source of household lead contamination.
- Window condensation is the likely principal mechanism for lead entering the home environment from these windows.
- Lead contamination from leaded windows is spatially limited but significant in close proximity.