A biokinetic model for lead metabolism with a view to its extension to pregnancy and lactation; 1/ further validation of the original model for non-pregnant adults

A published biokinetic model that describes the absorption, transfer between organs and excretion of lead Pb. in humans has been established using commercially available simulation software. Recent in vivo data have been used to validate further the model in adults, particularly for non-pregnant females. The validation data centre on: a. the prediction of blood Pb concentrations due to changes in atmospheric and dietary Pb levels over the last 25 years; b. the non-linear relationship between Pb in whole blood and that in blood plasma which can be transferred to other organs; and c. the accumulation of Pb in bone which may be re-mobilised later in time of calcium stress. This work underpins our alteration of the model to encompass pregnancy and lactation so that the build-up of Pb in the developing foetus and breast-fed infant can be estimated from any number of current and historical maternal exposure scenarios.