Simulation Models To Assess Exposure Levels Of Lead In Blood Plasma And Saliva

Human exposure to metals has been among major concerns of the world and there have been links to cancer, renal failure, cardiovascular and reproductive complications. There has been conflicting information regarding the efficiency of blood plasma and saliva when used as biomarkers in biomonitoring of human exposure to lead metals. Using the Joint Expert Speciation System, the bioavailability of lead was predicted at a range of 78-93 % in blood plasma and 2-23 %. The degree of bioavailability using a net-neutral species was dependent on the total concentrations of lead within low molecular mass ligands. These models predicted more bioavailability of lead in blood plasma than saliva, indicating blood plasma to be a suitable biomarker for biomonitoring of lead exposure even at low levels. This study offers regulatory and health authorities opportunities to consider using blood bioavailability data when assessing and making decisions on lead exposure assessments.