Icp-ms determination of lead isotope ratios in whole blood, pottery, and leaded gasoline : Lead sources in mexico city

Lead isotope ratios were measured with ICP-MS, using electrothermal vaporization for pottery, whole blood and leaded gasoline from residents of a small town in Mexico. Comparison was made of the isotope ratios Pb208/Pb204; Pb207/Pb204 and Pb208/Pb204. in ceramic cookware (pottery) and leaded gasoline and related whole blood specimens. It is apparent from the similarity of the two ratios that the predominant source of lead in this population is the ceramicware used for cooking.