Bioavailability of Lead



EPA recently validated a new technology to guide the cleanup of soils contaminated with arsenic and lead. The new laboratory method, based on a “virtual stomach” that mimics human digestion, estimates the bioavailability of arsenic and lead in soils.  This method will increase the accuracy of Human Health Risk Assessments, potentially reducing remediation costs.
“Bioavailability” refers to the amount of a substance that is absorbed by the body’s gastrointestinal system following exposure. The newly-validated method is sometimes called the “artificial stomach” because it mimics the human gastric system. Not all arsenic and lead present in soil are able to be absorbed into humans or animals and can cause harm. Certain forms of arsenic and lead are not bioavailable, meaning they are not fully absorbed by the human body.
Scientists can now use the artificial stomach method to determine if arsenic and lead in contaminated soils are bioavailable and remove those specific sections of soil.
The EPA has validated the method and this means that States and public health risk assessors can use the method during cleanups at EPA Superfund sites and other locations with arsenic and lead contamination issues. In addition to protecting public health, the bioavailability method improves the accuracy of human health risk assessments.

Click on the link below to read the full story.

https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/new-testing-method-lead-and-arsenic-contaminated-soil-saves-money-and-protects-public

Converse is active in the Phase I & II Environmental Assessment, risk assessment and clean-up of sites with arsenic and lead. Visit our website for more details.  www.converseconsultants.com

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