The influence of house age on lead levels in dusts and soils in Brighton, England.

An earlier nationwide reconnaissance study had indicated that lead levels in housedusts in Brighton and Hove were high compared with the general mean for the United Kingdom (1110 μg/g versus 507 μug/g). A more rigorous study, with sample selection based on house age, has revealed a lower mean value of 705 μg/g. Lead levels in 35 houses from the original study which were revisited had not changed significantly over the intervening 5 year period. The results suggest that the high mean value obtained previously was a reflection of the uneven age distribution in the sample population. The mean lead concentrations in soil and road dust samples, also obtained, were 404 and 794 μg/g, respectively. Lead levels in ail three sample types (housedust, soil and road dust) were significantly correlated with each other and all showed a tendency to increase with increasing age of property.