Pool cue chalk: a source of environmental lead.

Lead compounds are used as coloring agents for numerous products. Two cases of children with elevated blood lead concentrations encountered by the authors suggested that pool cue chalk may serve as a source of environmental lead. The objective of this study was to determine lead content of various brands and colors of pool cue chalk. Atomic absorption analyses were conducted of 23 different types of pool cue chalk for lead content. Three of 23 types of pool cue chalk contained more than 7000 ppm (mg/kg) lead: one manufacturer's green and tangerine chalk and another manufacturer's green chalk. It was concluded that some brands of pool cue chalk contain relatively large amounts of lead and could contribute to childhood lead poisoning.