An investigation of blood lead content and atmospheric lead levels in Bangkok | |
| Author | Rama Chandran, P. N. |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. 980 |
| Subject(s) | Lead in the body Lead--Physiological effect Air--Pollution |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering of the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand. |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Atmospheric lead is considered to be one of the most toxic products emitted into the atmosphere and the automobile has been regarded as the main source. The contribution of atmospheric lead to the blood lead levels is a controversial issue. Although air pollution studies have been conducted in Bangkok, atmospheric lead levels and its ill effects had not been investigated. Experiments were conducted during a 5 month period (September 1975 January 1976) in order to determine the lead concentrations in Bangkok streets and blood lead levels in Bangkok' s general population. Dust fall measurements were carried out during December 1975-January 1976, in Bangkok. A total of 185 air samples and 250 blood samples were collected for analyses. The effects of various parameters on air and blood lead levels are determined and they are discussed in detail in this report. It is found that both air and blood lead levels in Bangkok are well within normal limits and are comparable to those measured elsewhere. Street lead levels are linearly related to traffic volume. Blood lead levels are found to increase progressively with age towards a saturation level. The average time spent daily on roads by donors is a major parameter which determines blood lead level. Blood lead content is found to decrease logarithmically with the distance of the residence/workplace of donors, from the main roads. There is no evidence to show that air and blood lead levels are directly related at the present exposure levels, as far as the general population is concerned. |
| Year | 1976 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | Student Research Before 1980 |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Thesis (Year <=1979) |
| Chairperson(s) | Htun, Maung Nay |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | The Government of the United Kingdom |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1976 |