Levels of platinum, palladium, and lead in populations of Southern California.

Results of an epidemiology study of populations living near a freeway and in the high desert area of Southern California for levels of platinum, palladium and lead are presented. Three age groups (children, young adults, and mature adults) were sampled twice for blood, urine, hair, and feces. Air, water, and soil samples were collected in the areas of the residences of the two populations. The primary objective of this study was to obtain baseline levels of these metals prior to the introduction of the catalytic muffler. The samples were collected in September 1974.