Document 1nQMJBBqkYGKaj7znRv19wmZ

STATE OF CALIFORN IA-- HEALTH AN D W ELFARE AGEN CY DEPARTM ENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2151 BERKELEY W AY BERKELEY 94704 ,February 9 1967 RON ALD REAGAN , Governor Mr. Victor Sussman Air Pollution Control Commission P. 0. Box 90 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120 Dear Mr. Sussman: Dr. Sturgis just today brought to my attention the interest of your Department in the relationship of atmospheric exposures of lead to the lead body burden. I understand that your commission is considering setting an air pollution standard at 5 micrograms per m3 for a 30-day average, using standard methods. Our Department is preparing a report on lead in the atmosphere and its effects on humans. We intend that the report provide a basis for the eventual development of air quality standards in California. In our analysis we recognize two major problems. The first has to do with the relationship between the atmospheric lead level and the body burden as reflected by the blood lead level. The second has to do with the health effects of any speci fied body burden. We find that the published data, including the recently published data from Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Los Angeles, arewe.il described by a linear regression between the log of the blood lead level and. the log of the at mospheric exposure on a 26-hour basis. This mathematical expression is Log10 Blood Lead = 1.2718 + 0.22926* Log^Q Average Atmos oheric Exposure (for males, smoking status not specified) It is well recognized by authorities that any increase in body burden of this substance is associated with an increased risk to public health. Accordingly, the interpretation of this relationship depends on how large and how significant an increase should be permitted. We feel that an average exposure of 5 micrograms can be predicted to result in. an average blood level of about 27 micrograms per cubic meter. There will of course be considerable scatter of values about this mean. We have also examined experimental data from a Tviety of sources and find, that it is also well reflected by this same regr. ;sion. Mr. Victor Sussman ,February 9 1967 The interpretation of these body burdens is not so clear-cut since the sensitive criteria of metabolic alteration, increased excretion of porphyrins and delta amino levulinic aciu have not been looked for in any series of individuals exposed to community air pollution. It is therefore my conviction that at this time it is a prudent Public Health policy not to permit long-term atmospheric exposure levels in excess of 5 micrograms per m3 a month and that a case could be made for a lower standard. I hope this information is helpful to you. Environmental Hazards Evaluation Unit JRG:rw-f cc: Mr. Malcolm W* Schoenly Dr. Katharine Boucot Sturgis KE 0013133