The Arnhem lead study: II. Indoor pollution, and indoor/outdoor relationships

As part of an epidemiological study, an extensive investigation was carried out on the pollution of several types of housedust with lead. Samples were taken of ambient air indoors, lead deposition indoors, floordust, and dust deposited on windowsills, etc. In addition, the dustiness of houses was estimated visually. A number of outdoor parameters were determined, which made a detailed indoor/outdoor comparison possible. In general, indoor pollution levels were lower than the corresponding outdoor levels. Statistical analysis showed that in Arnhem, lead is carried into the houses in the form of lead particles that adhere to shoes, clothes, etc. Most of it originates from gardens and possibly streetdirt.