Estimating relative bioavailability of soil lead in the mouse

ABSTRACT

Lead (Pb) in soil is an important exposure source for children. Thus, determining bioavailability of Pb in soil is critical in evaluating risk and selecting appropriate strategies to minimize exposure. A mouse model was developed to estimate relative bioavailability of Pb in NIST SRM 2710a (Montana 1 Soil). Based on Pb levels in tissues, the mean relative bioavailability of this metal in this soil was 0.5. Estimates of relative bioavailabilities derived from mouse compared favorably with those obtained in juvenile swine. The mouse model is thus an efficient and inexpensive method to obtain estimates of relative bioavailability of soil Pb.

Acknowledgments

We thank Karen Herbin-Davis and Brenda Edwards for technical support and Amber Bacom and Dr. William Brattin of SRC, Inc., for advice and assistance in data analysis.

Disclaimer

This article has been reviewed in accordance with the policy of the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that contents necessarily reflect views and policies of the agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.