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FINAL REPORT

Lead
Paint
Ingestion
Study
by
Midwest Research Institute
425 Volker Boulevard
Kansas City, Missouri 64110

Contract No. 62-W-62GC&NPC
MRI Project No. 3729-B

Under a Grant from:

National Paint and Coatings Association, Inc.
1300 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20003

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FINAL REPORT

Lead
Paint
Ingestion
Study
Midwest Research Institute
425 Volker Boulevard
Kansas City, Missouri 64110

MRI$

National Paint and Coatings Association, Inc.
1500 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20005

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Preface
This report was prepared at Midwest Research
Institute, 425 Volker Boulevard, Kansas City,
Missouri 64110 under Contract No. 62-W-62GC &
NPC. MRI Project No. 3729-B, “Lead Paint
Ingestion Study.” The Research was sponsored by
the National Paint and Coatings Association, Inc.,
(NPCA ), 1500 Rhode Island A venue, N. W.,
Washington, D. C. 20005. Royal A. Brown,
Technical Director, National Paint and Coatings
Association, Inc., was the project monitor.

Members of the National Paint and
Coatings Association Industrial Metals Task Force
prepared the paint chips and consulted with Drs.
Castles, Sanyer, Spigarelli and House during the
course of the study. The personnel of the NPCA
Industrial Metals Task Force is as follows:

The research was conducted in the Bio­
logical Sciences Division, under the direction of
Dr. W. B. House from I December 1972 through
31 July 1973. Dr. Thomas R. Castles, Principal
Pharmacologist, was the principal investigator,
assisted by Dr. Jaime Sanyer, Associate Pathologist,
and Mrs. Jane Hoch, Biology Research Assistant.
Dr. James L. Spigarelli, Senior Chemist, supervised
the lead analysis with the assistance of Mrs. Hope
M. Miller, Assistant Chemist.

John P. Frawley

Richard A. Moore
The Shenvin- Williams Company’—Chairman

Royal A. Brown
The National Paint and Coatings Association, Inc.
Hercules, Inc.

Charles M. Jackson
Celanese Coatings <& Specialties Co.

Joseph G. Kingston
Glidden-Durkee Division of SCM Corporation

Sidney Lauren
Coatings Research Group, Inc.

William W. Ringle
Pratt & Lambert, Inc.

Edwin E. Swain
E. /. duPont de Nemours & Co., Inc.

Jean P. Teas
The Flood Company

Domenic J. Tessari
De Soto, Inc.

Approved for:
MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

W. B. House, Director
Biological Sciences Division
25 February, 1974

Table of Contents
Pag*

I.

Introduction ................................................................................

i

II.

Methods ......................................................................................

1

A. Preparation of Paint Films Containing Different Concen­
trations of Lead............................................................
B. Preparation of Diets........................................................
C. Experimental Procedure...................................................
D. Analyses............................................................................
E. Pathology..........................................................................
F. Statistical ..........................................................................

I
1
1
2
3
4

III.

Results ...................................................
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

4

Concentrations of Lead in Paint Films............................
Lead Analyses of Diets ContainingDifferent Paint Films
Preliminary Feeding Studies...........................................
Gross Observations, Feed Consumption and Body Weights
Weekly and Total Lead Consumption...........................
Hematology of Rats Fed Paint Films Containing Differ­
ent Concentrations of Lead.........................................
G. Tissue and Fluid Chemistry of Rats Fed Paint Films
Containing Different Concentrations of Lead............
H. Lead Content in Tissues of Rats Fed Paint Films Con­
taining Different Concentrations ofLead....................
I. Pathology of Rats Fed Paint Films Containing Different
Concentrations of Lead................................................

4
4
4
4
5

33

IV.

Discussion.....................................................................................

38

V.

Conclusion ...................................................................................

39

References .............................................................................................

40

10
10
10

I.

Introduction

Few persons will disagree that the ingestion of
old lead-based paint presents a potential health
hazard to young children. As a result of reports
by Kehoe,1 Chisholm,- and King,3 medical re­
searchers, paint manufacturers and legislators
have recognized the seriousness of this problem
and are acting to establish safe concentrations of
lead in paint. To do this, they have voluminous
reports on clinical observations and animal re­
search from which to draw. Unfortunately, most
of this information is based upon the old white
lead paints or soluble lead salts, which are not
representative of the paint formulations on today's
market. Some studies have been reported 4*5 which
indicate that lead compounds are not as readily
leached from modern paint films.
Before safe concentrations of lead in
paint can be intelligently established, we must
evaluate the toxicity of the lead as it exists cur­
rently in modem paints. It was the purpose of
this study to evaluate the toxicity in rats pro­
duced by different concentrations of modem
paints containing lead octoate and lead chromate
at varying concentrations compared to an old
paint formulation containing white lead. The re­
sults are presented in the following pages.

II.

Methods

A. Preparation of Paint Films Containing
Different Concentrations of Lead
Paint films without added lead and with added
lead compounds in the form of lead octoate, lead
chromate, or lead carbonate were supplied by
members of the National Paint and Coatings
Association. Paints which contained lead octoate,
and lead chromate (medium yellow) were pre­
pared using a fiat aikyd paint formula based upon
a Federal Specification TT-R-266D Type I Class
B aikyd resin. A white lead in oil paint was
prepared from a formula typical of this type
paint as it was used in the 1920’s. This con­
tained a high percentage of lead carbonate. The
flat aikyd paint without added lead was used for
control. The percent of lead in each sample was
calculated on the basis of the nonvolatile ma­
terial. Dispersion was accomplished with a Cowles
Dissolver and the pigment volume concentration
was held at one level. The paints were placed in
pans and allowed to air dry. This was followed
by forced air drying at 120°F to volatilize any
remaining solvent. Paint films were ground and

sieved, and chips ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 mm in
size were used for this study. This chip size was
selected on the basis of a preliminary rat feeding
study which established that rats would selectively
eat around larger sized chips but would eat chips
in the selected size range.
The concentrations of lead in the dif­
ferent paint films were determined independently
by De Soto, Inc., The Sherwin-Williams Company
and Midwest Research Institute, using Atomic
Absorption Spectrophotometry.
A sample of old lead-based paint col­
lected from walls of old dwellings was obtained
from the U. S. Department of Commerce, Na­
tional Bureau of Standards, Washington, D.C.
This paint was intended as an analytical standard
and had been pulverized and sieved through 325
mesh screen (0.06-0.08 mm size) and contained
11.92% lead by weight as carbonate. This sample
will be referred to as “NBS lead paint” in this
report.
B.

Preparation of Diets

Diets were prepared by mixing paint chips with
Purina Rat Chow mash in the concentration of
0.1% (weight/weight). This was accomplished
by first preparing a 10% concentrate (paint film/
feed, w/w) in a high-speed twin shell mixer. This
concentrate was then added to the appropriate
amount of Purina Rat Chow mash to give a final
concentration of 0.1% (paint film/feed, w/w)
and mixed for 10 minutes in a bulk mixer.
Each diet was prepared three times
during the experiment and samples of each of
these preparations were assayed for lead content.
C.

Experimental Procedure

Two hundred weanling (40-60 gm) Charles River
rats (100 males and 100 female rats) were used
for this study. Upon arrival rats were housed
individually in air conditioned quarters in poly­
carbonate cages containing hardwood bedding
and filter tops. After 5-7 days of equilibration,
all rats were assigned one of the following diets:
1. Rat chow plus paint chips without added
lead (control)
2. Rat chow plus paint chips containing
0.08% lead as lead octoate

1

3. Rat chow plus paint chips containing
0.33% lead as lead octoate
4. Rat chow plus paint chips containing
2.03% lead as lead octoate
3. Rat chow plus paint chips containing
0.42% lead as lead chromate
6. Rat chow plus paint chips containing
1.93% lead as lead chromate
7. Rat chow plus paint chips containing
12.43% lead as lead chromate
8. Rat chow plus paint chips containing
66.03% lead as lead carbonate
9. Rat chow plus NBS lead paint contain­
ing 11.92% lead as carbonate
Twenty male and 20 female rats were assigned
to the control diet, and 10 males and 10 female
rats were assigned to each of the remaining diets.
Each diet was fed in a 9-oz wide-mouth glass
jar which was secured to the cage. Tap water was
available ad libitum during the entire experiment.
Feed consumption was measured twice
each week and calculated on a daily basis. The
animals were weighed once a week. All rats were
observed twice or more each week for toxic signs.
After 4, 8 and 13 weeks, a selected
number of male and female rats from each group
were placed in metabolism cages for the collection
of 24-hr. urine samples. A portion of the col­
lected urine was used for urinalysis and the re­
mainder frozen for assay of delta-aminolevulinic
acid and coproporphyrin. After urine collection
each rat was anesthesized with ether, exsangui­
nated via the abdominal aorta and bone marrow
smears were prepared. Blood samples were hep­
arinized, cooled and used immediately for hema­
tology and enzyme assays. Aliquots of the re­
maining blood were taken for protoporphyrin and
lead assays. After urine and blood samples were
obtained, each rat was necropsied and tissue
taken for lead analysis or microscopic examina­
tion.
D. Analyses
7. Lead analyses of paint chips and diets con­
taining paint chips:
a. Paint film: Ten-miligram samples of paint
chips containing no lead or 0.08% lead
octoate were charred with 3 mi of con­
centrated nitric acid and dry-ashed at
300° C for 2 hr. The ash was dissolved
in 1 ml of aqua regia, diluted to 5 ml

2

with distilled water and this final dilution
measured for lead content by atomic ab­
sorption.
All other paint chips (10 mg samples)
were digested in 15 ml of a mixture of
concentrated nitric acid and 37% perchlo­
ric acid (2:1, V/V), evaporated and the
remaining perchloric acid solution diluted
to 25 ml with distilled water. This final
dilution was used for atomic absorption
spectrophotometry.
b. Diets: One-gram samples of feed were di­
gested in a mixture of concentrated nitric
acid and 37% perchloric acid (2:1, V/V)
and their final dilutions adjusted to make
their lead concentrations within the de­
tection limits of the atomic absorption
technique.
2. Analyses performed upon each rat:
a. Hematology:
(1) Hematocrit: Hematocrit was deter­
mined in capillary tubes using a
microcapillary centrifuge (Interna­
tional Equipment Company, Model
MB).
(2) Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin was meas­
ured as cyanomethemoglobin.13
(3) Erythrocyte and leukocyte counts:
Total erythrocyte and leukocyte were
counted using a Coulter Electronic
Particle Counter with 100-/4 aper­
ture.1*
(4) Reticulocytes: Reticulocytes were
counted by the methylene blue method
using the Miller disc.*
(5) Differential leukocyte counts: Wright’s
stain was used to stain the leukocytes
for examination.
(6) Erythrocyte osmotic fragility: Osmo­
tic fragility of erythrocytes was quan­
titatively determined by subjecting
heparinized whole blood to sodium
chloride solutions of different osmolarities.1 The concentration of sodium
chloride which hemoiyzed 50% of
the erythrocytes was obtained from a
plot of percent hemolysis versus so­
dium chloride concentration.

b. Body fluid and tissue chemistry:
(1) Plasma protein electrophoretic patterns: Total plasma protein was de­
termined using the Hycel Biuret Re­
agent (Hycel, Inc., Houston, Texas).
The quantity of each plasma protein
was determined electrophoretically on
cellulose acetate and expressed as a
percentage of the total plasma pro­
tein.
(2) Erythrocyte-cr-aminolevulinic acid dehydrase (ALAD): <r-Aminolevulinic
acid dehydrase activity was deter­
mined by the method of Lichtman
and Feldman.8 This procedure was
started 30 min. after each blood
sample was taken.
(3) Erythrocyte protoporphyrin: Proto­
porphyrin in erythrocytes was meas­
ured by the method of Heller, et al*
This analysis was performed the day
after blood was withdrawn.
(4) Urinary cr-aminolevulinic acid (ALA):
Urinary cr-aminolevulinic acid was
measured according to the Davis and
Andelman 10 modification of Mauzerall’s and Granick’s Method.11 These
analyses were performed in subdued
light.
(5) Urinary coproporphyrin: Urinary co­
proporphyrins were determined by
the method of Schlenker and Kitchell.12 These analyses were per­
formed in subdued light.
c.

Urinalysis:
(1) Urinary protein (albumin): Urinary
protein was measured with “Uristix”
reagents strips (Ames Company, Elk­
hart, Indiana).
(2) Microscopic examination of urine:
Urine samples were centrifuged, the
residues resuspended, and examined
microscopically for the presence of
erythrocytes and leukocytes under
high power field and for casts under
low power field.

d.

Tissue lead:
(1) Blood: One milliliter of blood was
mixed with 1 mi of a mixture of 5%
trichloroacetic acid: 37% perchloric
acid (3:1 v/v). The sample was cen­
trifuged and the supernatant filtered
through an AAWP 0.8/4 Millipore
filter. The supemate was analyzed
for lead with an atomic absorption
spectrophotometer using standards
prepared in control rat blood.
(2) Other tissues: Bone, liver, kidney,
and brain were digested in concen­
trated nitric acid, evaporated to dry­
ness and reconstituted to the lowest
possible volume with 20% nitric acid.
These solutions were analyzed for
lead by atomic absorption spectro­
photometry.
(3) Atomic absorption analysis: ‘Lead
concentrations were measured using
a Varian-Techtron AA-5 atomic ab­
sorption spectrophotometer. Sample
solutions were aspirated into an airacetylene flame and the absorbence
was measured at 283.3 nm. Back­
ground interference was determined
with the use of a hydrogen continuum
lamp at 283.3 nm and subtracted
from the absorbence obtained at
283.3 nm with the Pb hollow cathode
lamp.

E. Pathology
1. Gross pathology: At necropsy, rats were ex­
amined for gross abnormalities, their livers, kid­
neys, spleens, hearts, gonads, thyroids, brains, and
adrenals weighed, and the relative organ weights
calculated. After weighing, a portion of the liver,
kidney and brain were taken for microscopic
examination and the rest of each organ was
measured for lead content. A femur was removed
to be used for the measurement of lead in bone.
2. Microscopic pathology: Bone marrow smears
were prepared for myeloid/erythroid cell count.
The following tissues were fixed in buffered neu­
tral 10% formalin: brain, liver, spleen, stomach,
small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum),
colon, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, adre­
nals, thymus, gonad, thyroid (with parathyroid
attached), mesenteric salivary gland, lymph nodes,
heart, lungs, diaphragm, skeletal muscle, and
prostate or uterus.

3
V

Tissues from ail 13-week rats fed the
control, 2.05% lead octoate, 12.43% lead chro­
mate, 66.05% lead carbonate, and the 11.92%
NBS lead paint diets were embedded in paraffin,
section to a thickness of 6/*, stained with hema­
toxylin and eosin and examined for histopathology.

B. Lead Analyses of Diets Containing
Different Paint Films

Control and treatment values were compared sta­
tistically using Dunnett’s multipie-comparison test
with P<0:05 as the criteria of significance.

Table 2 shows the lead content of each diet.
Purina Rat Chow mash was found to contain
approximately 4^g/gm of lead (assuming 0.1 fig/
gm of lead was contributed by the control paint).
The fig of lead/gm of feed which was attributable
to each added paint film was reasonably close to
its respective theoretical value. The average total
fig of lead/gm of feed for each diet was used for
the calculation of weekly and total lead consump­
tion for each rat.

III. Results

C.

A*

Before beginning this study, a pilot experiment
was performed to see if the rats were consuming
the lead paint chips along with their feed. Three
rats each were placed on the control diet and the
66.05% lead carbonate diet. After 48 hr., their
feces were collected and the lead content meas­
ured. Feces from rats on the control diet contained
11.5fig of lead/gm feces while feces from rats fed
the 66.05% lead carbonate diet contained 3,683
fig Of lead/gm feces. Thus, rats did consume the
paint film along with their feed.

F. Statistical Analyses

Concentrations of Lead in Paint Chips

The concentrations of lead in the paint chips sup­
plied by the Members of the National Paint and
Coatings Association were analyzed for lead con­
tent by De Soto, Inc., The Sherwin-Williams Com­
pany, and Midwest Research Institute (MRI).
The results of these analyses are shown in Table
1. The control paint which did not contain lead
octoate or chromate was found to contain approx­
imately 0.01% lead. There was a reasonable
agreement between the different analyses, so an
average ppm of lead was computed and used for
the actual lead concentration of each paint film.
Lead concentrations of the lead paint obtained
from the National Bureau of Standards were aver­
aged in a similar manner.

Preliminary Feeding Studies

D. Gross Observations, Feed Consumptions and
Body Weights
During the entire study only two rats had remark­
able changes. One female rat on 2.05% lead octo-

TABLE 1
Concentration of Lead in Paint Film
luewcwai ix n
Paint Film

Control Paint
Lead octoate
Lead octoate
Lead octoate
Lead chromate
Lead chromate
Lead chromate
Lead carbonate
NBS lead paint

<%>
0
0.06

o.so
2.00
O.SO
2.00
15.00
64.12
—

MRI

<%>

<%)

<%)

<0.02
0.07
0.56
2.20
0.41
2.10
12.30
68.90
11.98

0.01
0.08
0.53
2.05
0.42
1.95
12.43
66.05
11.92'

0.01
0.08
0.50
1.90
0.42
1.80
12.57
63.20
11.87*

• Measured by U.S. Department of Commerce. National Bureau of Standards, Washinfton. D.C
• Average of paint companies and MRI values.
• Average of Bureau of Standards and MRI values.

4

Averaft*

Paint Companies

TABLE 2
Lead Analyses of Diets Containing Different Paint Films
Measured
Theoretical *

Total*
0*g/g»)

Paint Lead4
(Mg/ga)

Control paint plus rat chow

0.1

Lead octoate (0.08%) plus rat chow

0.8

Lead octoate (0.53%) plus rat chow

5.3

Lead octoate (2.05%) plus rat chow

20.5

Lead chromate (0.42%) plus rat chow

4.2

Lead chromate (1.95%) plus rat chow

19.5

Lead chromate (12.43%) plus rat chow

124.3

Lead carbonate (66.05%) plus rat chow

660.5

NBS lead paint (11.92%) plus rat chow

119.2

4.1
(6)
5.2
(6)
12.0
(6)
27.2
(6)
11.0
(6)
23.5
(6)
140.2
(6)
516.0
(5)
124.0
(3)

i.i
(6)
7.9
(6)
23.1
(6)
6.9
(6)
19.4
(6)
136.1
(6)
511.9
(5)
119.9
(3)

Diet

• Theoretical concentration of lead in feed contributed by indicated paint film.
• Mean *% of lead/gm feed for number of samples shown in parenthesis.
• Mean m§ of lead from paint films/gm feed for number of samples shown in parenthesis.

ate developed an abcess on her left shoulder dur­
ing the ninth treatment week and one female on
66.0S% lead carbonate developed abcessed hind
feet in the 10th week and chewed her toes off.
The feed consumptions of male and
female rats are shown in Figures 1 and 2, respec­
tively. Each bar represents the mean ± standard
error of six to twenty rats. Except for the rats fed
the diet containing 11.92% lead as NBS lead
paint, ail groups consumed feed at the same rate
as the control group throughout the entire experi­
ment. The reason the 11.92% NBS lead paint
group ate significantly less initially, was that they
were started a month after the other rats and
were initially smaller. Since this group was con­
suming feed at the same rate as the control group
by 4 weeks, we consider their initial food con­
sumption normal also (for their size).
The body weight gains for each group
of rats are shown in Figures 3 and 4. Each bar
represents the mean ± standard error of six to
twenty rats. As mentioned above, the rats on the

11.92% NBS lead paint diet were small initially
but became similar to controls by either the 4th
(females) or 8th week (males). Throughout the
entire period the male rats in the other treatment
groups gained weight at a normal rate. The female
rats did show a change in body weights during the
first 8 weeks of feeding which appears related to
the concentration of lead octoate. After 4 weeks
of feeding, rats in the 2.03% lead octoate group
weighed significantly less than control. The pat­
tern was the same at 8 weeks. After 12 weeks
their average body weights still exhibited the
same pattern, but the 2.03% lead octoate group
was not significantly different from control. This
was due to fewer animals and a slight increase in
variability.
E. Weekly and Total Lead Consumption
The weekly and total lead consumption during
the experiment was calculated on the basis of
the total lead/diet and amount of each diet eaten
by each rat. These calculations are shown in
Tables 3 and 4. During the 13th week period, the
control group consumed approximately 103 ng
(males) or 79/ug, (females) of Iead/day, while rats

5

<
Control

Feed Consumption of Male Rats Fed Different
Concentrations of Lead in Paint Chips

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eating 2.05% lead octoate, 12.43% lead chro­
mate, 66.05% lead carbonate, or 11.92% NBS
lead paint consumed an average of 787 Mg (males)
or 708 /ig (females); 3,591 Mg (males) or 2,689
Mg (females); 13,436 Mg (males) or 9,185 Mg
(females); and 3,184 fig (males) or 2,363 Mg
(females) of lead/day, respectively. Using the
average body weights of rats surviving 13 days,
the rats in the control, 2.05% lead octoate,
12.43% lead chromate, 66.05% lead carbonate
and the 11.92% NBS lead paint groups consumed
288 Mg (males) or 335 Mg (females) of lead/kg/
day; 2,133 Mg (males) or 3,278 Mg (females) of
lead/kg/day; 9,785 Mg (males) or 11,590 Mg (fe­
males) of lead/kg/day; 37,014 Mg (males) or
42,133 Mg (females) of lead/kg/day; and 9,888
Mg (males) or 10,364 Mg (females) of lead/kg/
day, respectively.
F. Hematology of Rats Fed Paint Chips Con­
taining Different Concentrations of Lead
The results of the hematology of rats fed paint
films containing different concentrations of lead
are shown in Tables 5-13. No differences were
observed in the erythrocyte count, reticulocyte
count, hematocrit, leukocyte count, differential
leukocyte count, and the erythrocyte osmotic fra­
gility. At 13 weeks, the hematocrits of rats fed
the NBS lead paint were significantly lower than
control, while the hematocrits of the rats fed the
other diets were normal.
G. Tissue and Fluid Chemistry of Rats Fed
Paint Chips Containing Different Concentrations
of Lead
Tables 14-22 show the tissue and fluid chemistry
of rats fed paint chips containing different con­
centrations of lead. The serum proteins, erythro­
cyte protoporphyrin, urinary coproporphyrin, and
urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid were not altered
by any of the diets.
The activity of the erythrocyte enzyme,
delta-aminolevulinic add dehydrase (ALAD),
in the control, lead octoate (0.08%, 0.53%, and
2.05%) and lead chromate (0.42%, 1.95%, and
12.43%) groups did not differ throughout the
experiment (Table 23). ALAD activity was de­
pressed in rats fed 66.05% lead carbonate and
11.92% NBS lead paint. At 4 weeks (Table 21,
22) there was a depression of 56% and 59% in
these two groups, respectively. At 8 weeks the
ALAD activity was depressed 44% in the 66.05%
lead carbonate group, but the ALAD activity in

the NBS lead paint group was not sigificantly
different from control. At this time a sex differ­
ence was observed in both of these groups. The
ALAD activity in the male rats remained de­
pressed at the 4-week levels while the ALAD ac­
tivities of the female rats returned to control levels.
This sex difference may be linked to the fact that
these female rats had matured and were probably
beginning their menstrual cycles.
By 13 weeks the sex difference had dis­
appeared and the ALAD activity in 66.05% lead
carbonate group and the 11.92% NBS lead paint
group were depressed 56% and 53%, repectively.
Urinalysis of rats fed paint chips con­
taining different concentrations of lead are shown
in Tables 24-32. No marked difference in urinary
protein or sediment (erythrocyte, crystals, casts,
etc.) were seen in the control, lead octoate, lead
chromate and lead carbonate groups. In the NBS
lead paint group 5 of 12 rats (42%) had a mod­
erate proteinuria compared with only 4 of 24 rats
(17%) in the control group. Otherwise, the urin­
alysis of this group was similar to that of the con­
trol group.
H. Lead Content in Tissues of Rats Fed Paint
Chips Containing Different Concentrations of Lead
Tables 33-37 show the lead content of blood,
brain, liver, kidney, and bone from rats fed paint
chips containing different concentrations of lead.
All values for the lead concentrations in blood at
4 and 8 weeks, and 4 values in all but the NBS
lead paint group at 13 weeks were omitted from
Table 33 because it was discovered that these
samples had been contaminated by their storage
containers. The blood lead levels of rats fed paint
chips containing lead octoate (0.08%, 0.53%,
2.05%) or lead chromate (0.42%, 1.95%) were
no higher than control. In the rats fed paint chips
containing 12.43% lead chromate or 66.05% lead
carbonate, or the 11.92% NBS lead paint (lead
carbonate) blood lead levels were found to be
elevated significantly.
At 4 weeks, tissue lead levels in brain,
liver and kidney were below the detection limits
of our assay (0.7 Mg per gm of tissue). The results
were the same at 8 weeks with the exception of
the NBS lead paint group. All four rats in this
group showed detectable lead in their kidneys.

10
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12
* Total include* average Pt> intake (17.116.6 ng/ra«/w*ek) for weeks 4 and 6 as an estimate for the week 1 intake.

TABLE 5
Hematology of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing No Lead
Treatment Week
4

Erythrocytes (X lOVrnm1)
Reticulocytes, %
Hematocrit, vol. %
Hemoglobin, gm %
Leukocytes (X IP/mim*)
Neutrophils, %
Lymphocytes, %
Bands, %
Eosinophils, %
Basophils, %
Monocytes, %
Atypical, %
Nucleated RBC, %
Erythrocyte osmotic fragility (NaCl ]e

8

13

(N - 8)*

(N - 8)

(N - 24)

6.17 ±0.14*1.5 ± 0.7
46.1 ± 0.8
14.0 ±0.3
5.0 ± 0.5
11.8 ± 2.9
86.3 ±3.3
0.3 ±0.2
0.9 ±0.4
0
l.l ±0.6
0
0
0.381 ±0.004

6.33 ±0.19
0.8 ±0.3
44.6± 1.2
14.6 ± 0.3
7.6 ± 1.3
21.7 ± 5.6
75.4 ± 5.3
0
1.3 ±0.4
0
1.6 ± 0.6
0
0
0.391 ±0.008

6.42 ±0.29
1.4 ± 0.1
44.6 ±0.3
16.0 ± 0.1
8.0 ±0.6
13.1 ± 1.5
84.1 ± 1.6
0.1 ±0.1
0.5 ±0.2
0
2.1 ±0.4
0
0.1 ±0.1
0.400 ±0.004

Analyses

• Number of rata per period.
b Mean ± standard error.
• Concentration of NaCl that hemolyaed SO% of the erythrocytes.

TABLE 6
Hematology of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 0.08% Lead as Lead Octoate
Treatment Week
4
(N • 4)*

8
(N -4)

13
(N - 12)

6.14 ± 0.32b
0.9 ± 0.5
41.3 ±0.9
14.1 ±0.4
5.1 ±0.8
24.5 ± 1.6
74.3 ± 1.8
0
0.8 ±0.3
0
0.5 ±0.5
0
0
0.381 ±0.005

6.33 ±0.09
l .0 ± 0.5
46.0 ± 0.7
15.4 ± 0.2
5.5 ±0.7
20.3 ±4.7
76.3 ±4.7
0
1.5 ±0.6
0

5.92 ±0.39
1.4 ± 0.2
43.0 ±0.5
14.7 ±0.8
7.7 ± 0.9
16.3 ± 1.7
80.9± 1.8
0.3 ±0.2
0.7 ±0.3
0
1.9 ± 0.5
0
0
0.395 ±0.005

Analyses

Erythrocytes (X 10*/mm*)
Reticulocytes, %
Hematocrit, vol. %
Hemoglobin, gm %
Leukocytes (X 10*/mm*)
Neutrophils, %
Lymphocytes, %
Bands, %
Eosinophils, %
Basophils, %
Monocytes, %
Atypical, %
Nucleated RBC. %
Erythrocyte osmotic fragility [NaCl]e

2.0 ±0.8

0
0
0.410 ±0.007

• Number of rats per period.
k Mean * standard error.
• Concentration of NaCI that hemofyaed 90% of the erythrocyte*

13

TABLE 7
Hematology of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 0.53% Lead as Lead Octoate
Treatmrt Wade
4
(N -4)*

8
(N -4)

13
<N - 12)

6.27 ± 0.2b
0.9 ±0.7
42.3 ±0.7
14.2 ±0.2
5.0 ± 1.4
15.8 ±3.8
83.0 ±4.4
0
0.8 ± 0.3
0
0.5 ±0.5
0
0
0.383 ±0.006

6.04 ± 0.31
0.9 ±0.4
43.8 ±0.5
14.9 ±0.3
7.5 ±2.8
19.3 ±3.8
77.5 ±3.8
0
l .0 ± 0.4
0
2.3 ±0.5
0
0
0.388 ±0.012

5.6 ± 0.4
1.6 ± 0.2
43 ±0.7
15.3 ±0.3
8.3 ± 1.0
16.2 ± 1.9
81.4 ±1.8
0.1±0.1
0.8 ± 0.3
0
1.6 ± 0.3
0
0
0.401 ±0.006

Analysis

Erythrocytes (X lff/mm*)
Reticulocytes, %
Hematocrit, vol. %
Hemoglobin, gm %
Leukocytes (X HP/mm*)
Neutrophils, %
Lymphocytes, %
Bands, %
Eosinophils, %
Basophils, %
Monocytes, %
Atypical, %
Nucleated RBC, %
Erythrocyte osmotic fragility [NaCl]e

• Number of rats per period.
b Mean ± standard error.
« Concentration of NaCl that hemoiyxed 30% of the erythrocytes.

TABLE 8
Hematology of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 2.05% Lead as Lead Octoate
Treatmcat Week
4
(N -4)*

8
(N -4)

13
(N - 12)

6.30 ±0.2"
l.t ±0.6
41.8 ±0.5
14.4 ±0.2
5.1 ± 1.1
13.5 ±3.0
85.8 ±3.2
0
0.8 ±0.5
0
0
0
0
0.381 ±0.006

6.46 ±0.08
0.7 ±0.1
45.0 ±0.4
15.5 ± 0.2 '
6.7 ± 1.7
13.0 ± 2.1
85.0 ±2.3
0
0.3 ±0.3
0
1.8 ±0.9
0
0
0.399 ±0.008

6.72 ±0.42
2.0 ±0.6
43.4 ±0.8
15.6 ±0.3
8.1 ±0.7
14.1 ±2.6
82.8 ±2.8
0
0.9 ±0.3
0
2.2 ± 0.7
0
0
0.393 ±0.006

Analyses

Erythrocytes (X 101 mm3)
Reticulocytes, %
Hematocrit, vol. %
Hemoglobin, gm %
Leukocytes (X 10* mma)
Neutrophils, %
Lymphocytes, %
Bands, %
Eosinophils, %
Basophils, %
Monocytes, %
Atypical, %
Nucleated RBC, %
Erythrocyte osmotic fragility (NaCl ]c

• Number of rats per period.
• Mean ± standard error.
• Concentration of NaC! that hemoiysed 30% of the erythrocytes.

14

TABLE 9
Hematology of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 0.42% Lead as Lead Chromate
TreatraoM Week
A inly—

(N-«)‘

4

•
(N -4)

13
(N - 12)

Erythrocytes (X lOVmm*)
Reticulocytes, %
Hematocrit, vol. %
Hemoglobin, gm %
Leukocytes (X 10*/mm*)
Neutrophils, %
Lymphocytes, %
Bands, %
Eosinophils, %
Basophils, %
Monocytes, %
Atypical, %
Nucleated RRC, %
Erythrocyte osmotic fragility, [NaCl]0

6.71 ±0.16"
0.9 ± 0.8
43.3 ±0.6
14.7 ±0.4
5.1 ±0.6
8.5 ±1.7
90.3 ±2.0
0
0
0
1.3 ±0.8
0
0
0.383 ±0.003

6.18 ±0.16
0.8 ±0.2
45.0± 1.1
15.1 ±0.3
5.1 ±0.5
19.0 ±2.0
79.5 ± 1.3
0
0.8 ±0.8
0
0.8 ±0.8
0
0.3 ±0.3
0.395 ±0.12

6.6 ± 0.3
1.6 ± 0.2
43.6 ±0.7
15.6 ± 0.3
6.9 ±0.7
14.3 ±2.1
83.4 ±2.0
0
1.2 ± 0.4
0
1.2 ± 0.4
0
0
0.392 ±0.007

• Number of rats per period, except where indicated ocherwiee.
* Mean ± standard error.
« Concentration of NaO that hemoiyzcd 30% of the erythrocytes.
t

TABLE 10
Hematology of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 1.95% Lead as Lead Chromate
TreatMat Week
Analyses

(N » 4) •

(N-4)

13
(N - 12)

Erythrocytes (X 10*/mm*)
Reticulocytes, %
Hematocrit, vol. %
Hemoglobin, gm %
Leukocytes (X 10*/ mm*)
Neutrophils, %
Lymphocytes, %
Bands, %
Eosinophils, %
Basophils, %
Monocytes, %
Atypical, %
Nucleated RBC, %
Erythrocyte osmotic fragility, [NaCl]0

6.17 ±0.05"
0.8 ± 0.4.
40.8 ±0.6
13.9 ± 0.2
4.9 ± 0.8
10.0 ±2.4
92.0 ± 1.8
0
0.5 ±0.3
0
0
0
0
0.383 ±0.007

6.21 ±0.13
0.8 ±0.3
44.3 ±0.3
15.3 ±0.3
6.1 ± 1.2
18.5 ±6.6
80.5 ±6.6
0
0.3 ±0.3
0
0.8 ±0.3
0
0
0.385 ±0.007

6.37 ±0.52
1.2 ± 0.2
44.1 ±0.7
16.2 ±0.4
8.2 ± 1.0
11.4 ± 2.3
85.9 ±2.2
0
1.5 ±0.5
0
1.2 ± 0.3
0
0
0.404 ±0.005

4

8

• Concentration of Nad that hemdlyani 30% of tha erythrocytes.

\

15

TABLE 11
Hematology of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 12.43% Lead as Lead Chromate
Treatment Week
4
(N -4)*

8
(N -4)

13
<N - 12)

6.32 * 0.14b
1.95 * 1.28
41.3 * 1.1
13.9*0.4
4.8*0.5
21.5 ±6.3
78.0*6.0
0
0.5 ±0.5
0
0
0
0
0.384 * 0.007

6.23 *0.18
0.9*0.1
43.8*0.5
15.2*0.1
5.3 * 1.8
15.0*2.1
82.8 * 2.0
0
1.0*0
0
1.3 *0.3
0
0.3 *0.3
0.385 *0.010

6.61 *0.38
1.6*0.2
44.1 ±0.7
15.8*0.2
7.6*0.6
12.8* 1.6
84.8*1.7
0.1 *0.1
1.0*0.4
0
1.3*0.3
0
0
0.396 * 0.006

Analyses

Erythrocytes (X 10*/mm’)
Reticulocytes, %
Hematocrit, vol. %
Hemoglobin, gm %
Leukocytes (X 10*/mm*)
Neutrophils, %
Lymphocytes, %
Bands, %
Eosinophils, %
Basophils, %
Monocytes, %
Atypical, %
Nucleated RBC, %
Erythrocyte osmotic fragility [NaCl ]*

• Number of rats per period.
b Mean ± standard error.
« Concentration of NaCl that hemotyzcd 50% of the erythrocytes.

TABLE 12
Hematology of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 66.05% Lead as Lead Carbonate
Treatment Week
4
(N-3)*

S
(N - 4)

13
(N - 12)

5.94* 0.56■ »
0.4 *0.2
41.3 *0.9
13.9*0.5
4.3 * 1.2
14.3 * 4.1
82.0*5.6
0
0.7 *0.7
0
3.0* 2.0
0
0
0.388 * 0.009

6.13*0.06
1.1 *0.3
44.0* 1.5
15.0*0.2
5.0 *0.9
15.0*4.1
84.0*4.2
0
0.5 *0.5
0
0.5 *0.3
0
0
0.394 * 0.012

6.60*0.37
2.9* 1.3
44.7* 1.2
15.6*0.6
7.7*0.5
15.2*2.6
82.7*2.7
0.2*0.1
0.9 ±0.3
0
1.0*0.3
0
0.1 *0.1
0.397 * 0.005

Analyte*

Erythrocytes (X 10‘/mm‘)
Reticulocytes, %
Hematocrit, vol. %
Hemoglobin, gm %
Leukocytes (x 10*/mm*)
Neutrophils, %
Lymphocytes, %
Bands, %
Eosinophils, %
Basophils, %
Monocytes, %
Atypical, %
Nucleated RBC, %
Erythrocyte osmotic fragility [NaCl] *

• Number of rats per period.
b Mean ± standard error.
« Concentration of NaCl that hemotyzcd 50% of the erythrocytes*

16

TABLE 13
Hematology of Rats Fed NBS Lead Paint Containing 11.92% Lead
Treatment Week
Anslyiei

Erythrocytes (X lOVmm*)
Reticulocytes, %
Hematocrit, vol. %
Hemoglobin, gm %
Leukocytes (X lOVmm*)
Neutrophils, %
Lymphocytes, %
Bands, %
Eosinophils, %
Basophils, %
Monocytes, %
Atypical, %
Nucleated RBC, %
Erythrocyte osmotic fragility [NaCl]d

4
(N -4)*

8
(N -4)

13
(N - 12)

5.72 ±0.l5b
2.5 ± 0.3
39.7 ±0.8
13.6 ± *
9.7 ± 1.4
9.5 ± 2.1
90.2 ±2.3
0.3 ±0.3
0
0
0
0
0
0.389 ±0.006

4.49 ±0.83
1.0 ± 0.4
42.8 ± 1.1
14.7 ±0.3
6.7 ± 1.2
7.0 ± 1.7
92.0 ±2.1
0
0
0
1.0 ±0.7
0
0
0.412 ±0.006

5.63 ±0.34
1.3 ± 0.1
42.9 ±0.4
14.7 ± 0.1 •
7.0 ± 0.5
14.2 ±2.1
83.6 ±2.2
0
l .4 ± 0.4
0
0.8 ± 0.3
0
0.1 ±0.1
0.408 ±0.005

• Number of rats per period, except where indicated otherwise.
b Mean ± standard error.
• Two rats.
4 Concentration of NaCl that hemotyaed 50% of the erythrocytes.
♦ Signifiesmly different from control (P < 0.0S) as shown by Dunnett's multiple-compa risen test following an analysis of variance.

TABLE 14
Tissue and Fluid Chemistry of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing No Lead
Treataort Week
Analyses

Serum electrophoresis
Albumin, %
Alpha l globulin, %
Alpha 2 globulin, %
Beta globulin, %
Gamma globulin, %
Total protein, gm %
Albumin/globulin ratio
Erythrocyte
ALAD, Mmol. PBG/
Males:
100 ml RBC/hr
Females:
Total:
Protoporphyrin, Mg/100 ml RBC
Urine
Coproporphyrin, Mg/' 24 hr
ALA, Mg/24 hr

4
(N-8)*

8
(N -8)

13
(N m 24)

43 ± l “
28 ± 1
5± 1
20 ± 1
6± 1
5.4 ±0.1
0.76 ±0.03

43 ±2
23 ± 1
5 ± l
20 ± 1
10 ± 1
6.2 ± 0.2
0.77 ±0.07

48 ± 1
21 ± 1
5 ± l
21 ± 1
6± 1
6.3 ± 0.1
0.93 ±0.04

23.2 ± 2.3«
16.6± 3.1'
19.9 ±2.2
19.6 ± 1.6

15.1 db 2.3«
16.3 ± 2.2*
15.8 ± 1.5
23.5± 1.9

14.5 ± 1.4*
15.4 ±0.7*
15.0 ± 1.0
29.2 ±2.0

2.5 ± 1.2
78.0 ±7.4

3.3 ± 7.4
83.3 ± 11.0

6.0± 1.9
43.4 ±5.0

* Number of rata per period, except where indicated otherwise.
b Mean ± standard error.
* Four rats.
* Twelve rats.

-

i

‘i

17

TABLE IS
Tissue and Fluid Chemistry of Rats Fed Paint Chips
Containing 0.08% Lead as Lead Octoate

1

l

AaalyMt
Serum electrophoresis
Albumin, %
Alpha 1 globulin, %
Alpha 2 globulin, %
Beta globulin, %
Gamma globulin, %
Total protein, gm %
Albumin/globulin ratio
Erythrocytes
ALAD, Mmol. PBG/
Males:
100 ml RBC/hr
Females:
Total:
Protoporphyrin, Mg/100 ml RBC
Urine
Coproporphyrin, Mg/24 hr
ALA, Mg/ 24 hr

4
(N-4)*

s
(N • 4)

13
<N - 12)

40± 1"
26 ± 1
5± 1
21 ± 1
8± l
5.9 ±0.1
0.66 ±0.02

44 ± 3
20 ±2
4± 1
20 ± 1
12 ± 1
6.3 ±0.2
0.79 ±0.08

48 ± 1
20± 1
5± l
22 ± 1
7± 1
6.2 ±0.1
0.93 ±0.04

24.8 ±7.7*
19.5 ±4.4«
22.2 ±3.9
28.4 ±2.4

14.9 ±1.3*
18.7 ±0.3*
16.8 ±1.2
24.2 ± 1.6

12.0 ± 2.2 4
16.1 ± 1.3 d
14.0± 1.4
22.8 ±2.5

1.2 ±0.2
86.4 ± 16.6

4.8 ±2.4
107.6 ±34.1

2.9 ± 1.4
35.0 ±6.7

• Number of rats per period, except where indicated otherwiaa.
k Mean ± standard error.
• Two rata.
4 Six rata.

TABLE 16
Tissue and Body Fluid Chemistry of Rats Fed Chips
Containing 0.53% Lead as Lead Octoate
Tmfl Wtfc
Analyst!
Serum electrophoresis
Albumin, %
Alpha 1 globulin, %
Alpha 2 globulin, %
Beta globulin, %
Gamma globulin, %
Tout protein, gm %
Albumin/globulin ratio
Erythrocytes
ALAD, ><mol. PBG/
Males:
100 ml RBC/hr
Females:
Total:
Protoporphyrin, Mg/100 ml RBC
Urine
Coproporphyrin, Mg/24 hr
ALA, Mg/24 hr
k Menu ± standard error.
• Two rata.

* Sin rata.

18

4
(N -4>-

•
(N-4)

13
(N-12)

41 ±2»
26 ± 1
5± 1
21 ± 1
8± 1
5.7 ±0.1
0.68 ±0.04

41 ±4
23 ± 3
6± 2
20 ± 1
11 ± 2
6.3 ±0.1
0.70 ±0.13

S0± 1
20 ± I
4± 1
20 ± 1
7± 1
6.0 ±0.1
1.00 ± 0.07

21.4 ±6.3*
15.5 ±2.7*
18.4 ±3.3
23.1 ± 1,0

10.3 ±0.8*
15.3 ±0.2*
12.8 ± 1.5
21.7± 1.1

12.5 ± 0.7 d
17.0 ± 1.24
14.7 ±0.9
27.7 ±3.3

10.7 ±5.9
97.4 ± 19.2

1.1 ±0.6
101.4 ±30.1

4.9 ±2.4
50.5 ±6.6

TABLE 17
Tissue and Body Fluid Chemistry of Rats Fed Paint
Chips Containing 2.05% Lead as Lead Octoate
Treatnort Week
Aittlysas

Scrum electrophoresis
Albumin, %
Alpha 1 globulin, %
Alpha 2 globulin, %
Beta globulin, %
Gamma globulin, %
Total protein, gm %
Albumin /globulin ratio
Erythrocytes
ALAO, Mmol. PBG/
Males:
100 ml RBC/hr
Females:
Total:
Protoporphyrin, Mg/100 ml RBC
Urine
Coproporphyrin, Mg/24 hr
ALA, Mg/24 hr

4
(N - 4)*

8
(N -4)

13
<N - 12)

41 ±3"
27 ±2
4± l
20 ± l
9± l
5.7 ±0.2
0.70 ±0.07

46 ± 2
22 ± 1
4± 1
19 ± 1
9± l
6.0 ±0.1
0.85 ±0.07

48 ± 2
20 ± 1
6± 1
21 ± 1
6± l
6.2 ±0.1
0.96 ±0.07

24.1 ± 4.0 •
18.7 ± l.0«
21.4± 2.3
29.5 ±2.8

12.1 ± 1.7*
11.3 ±0.2'
11.7 ± 0.7
30.8 ±2.5

11.4 ± 0.8
16.3 ± 3.9*
13.8 ±2.0
24.0 ±2.2

1.6 ±0.6
80.7 ± 17.3

3.0 ± 0.8
82.7 ± 10.4

7.7 ± 2.9
64.5 ± 8.8

• Number of rats per period, except where indicated otherwise.
b Meen ± standard error.
• Two rets,
4 Sis rats.

TABLE 18
Tissue and Body Fluid Chemistry of Rats Fed Paint
Chips Containing 0.42% Lead as Lead Chromate

1

Serum electrophoresis
Albumin, %
Alpha 1 globulin, %
Alpha 2 globulin, %
Beta globulin, %
Gamma globulin, %
Tout protein, gm %
Albumin/globulin ratio
Erythrocyte
A LAD, Mmol. PBG/
Males:
100 ml RBC/hr
Females:
Total:
Protoporphyrin, Mg/100 ml RBC
Urine
Coproporphyrin, Mg/24 hr
ALA. Mg/24 hr

1

Aoalyw

8
(N-4)

13
(N-12)

42 ±2"
28 ± 1
4± 1
19 ± 1
8±3
5.8 ± 0.2
0.71 ±0.06

44 ± 2
20 ± 2
4± 1
19 ± 1
12 ±2
6.0 ± 0.2
0.80 ±0.08

47 ± 1
22 ± 1
S±1
21 ± 1
6± l
6.1 ±0.1
0.90 ±0.03

23.4 ± 3.5 •
13.4 ± 0.9*
18.4 ±3.3
27.3 ±2.8

14.1 ±0.6*
17.4 ±0.1*
15.7 ± 1.0
28.3 ±0.6

15.7 ± 1.5*
16.5 ±1.4*
16.1 ± 1.0
27.9 ±2.1

8.2 ± ;6.7
69.3 ±6.6

1.5 ± 0.7
65.2 ± 17.4

6.3 ±2.2
85.3 ±31.4

4
(N — 4) •

• Number of rats per period, encept where indicated otherwise.
• Mean ± standard error.
• Two rats.

4 Six rats.

19

TABLE 19
Tissue and Body Fluid Chemistry of Rats Fed Paint
Chips Containing 1.95% Lead as Lead Chromate
Treatment Week
4
Analytes

Serum electrophoresis
Albumin, %
Alpha l globulin, %
Alpha 2 globulin, %
Beta globulin, %
Gamma globulin, %
Total protein, gm %
Albumin/globulin ratio
Erythrocyte
ALAO, Mmol. PBG/
Males:
100 ml RBC/hr
Females:
Total:
Protoporphyrin, Mg/'100 ml RBC
Urine
Coproporphyrin, Mg/24 hr
ALA, Mg/24 hr

8

13

(N - *)•

(N m 4)

(N - 12)

41 db 2b
25 ± 1
4± 1
20 ± 1
9± 1
5.7 ± 0.1
0.73 ±0.06

45 ± 1
19 ± 1
4± 1
20 ± 1
11 ± 1
6.20 ±0.04
0.81 ±0.04

47 ±2
19 ±2
5 ± l
23 ± 1
6± 1
6.4 ±0.1
0.94 ± 0.08

29.5 ± 3.1®
20.4 ± 4.3e
24.9 ±3.4
26.5 ±4.7

12.3 ± 1.0*
14.7 ± 0.6*
13.5 ± 0.8
26.8 ± 1.8

13.3 ± 1.4®
12.9 ± 2.3 ®
13.1 ± 1.3
27.4 ±1.5
.

0.9 ±0.1
80.8 ±7.2

7.0 ±6.4
67.7 ±6.8

4.4 ±1.9
66.5 ± 17.5

• Number of rata per period, except where indicated otherwise.
• Mean t standard error.
• Two rata.
« Six rata

TABLE 20
Tissue and Body Fluid Chemistry of Rats Fed Paint
Chips Containing 12.43% Lead as Lead Chromate
Trt.fi Wttfc
Analyms

Serum electrophoresis
Albumin, %
Alpha 1 globulin, %
Alpha 2 globulin, %
Beta globulin, %
Gamma globulin, %
Total protein, gm %
Albumin/globulin ratio
Erythrocyte
ALAD, Mmol. PBG/
Males:
100 ml RBC/hr
Females:
Total:
Protoporphyrin, Mg/100 ml RBC
Urine
Coproporphyria, Mg/24 hr
ALA, Mg/24 hr

4
(N — 4) •

8

13

(N -4)

(N-12)

40 ± 2b
27 ± 1 •
3± 1
22 ± 1
8± l
5.6 ± 0.1
0.68 ±0.05

47 ±3
21 ± 1
4± l
18 ± 1
9± 2
6.1 ±0.1
0.90 ± 0.12

46 ±2
21 ± 1
5± 1
22 ± 1
6± 1
6.4 ±0.1
0.88 ±0.06

26.4 ±7.4'
14.3 ±3.2'
20.3 ±4.9
25.5 ± 1.6

16.5 ±1.4*
13.4 ± 3.8*
15.0 ±1.9
24.2 ±2.6

12.6 ± 1.6®
13.7± 1.1®
13.1 ± 1.0
24.6 ± 2.0

2.6 ± 1.8
89.7 ± 19.3

0.9 ±0.1
78.4 ±6.8

2.6 ±0.8
49.7 ± 12.5

* Number of rets per period, except where indicated otherwise.
* Mean ± standard error.
«Two rata.
* Six rata.

20
\

TABLE 21
Tissue and Body Fluid Chemistry of Rats Fed Paint
Chips Containing 66.05% Lead as Lead Carbonate
Treatment Week

4

Analyses

Serum electrophoresis
Albumin, %
Alpha l globulin, %
Alpha 2 globulin, %
Beta globulin, %
Gamma globulin, %
Total protein, gm %
Albumin/globulin ratio
Erythrocyte
ALAD, Mmol. PBG/
Males:
100 ml RBC/hr
Females:
Total:
Protoporphyrin, Mg/100 ml RBC
Urine
Coproporphyrin, Mg/24 hr
ALA, Mg/24 hr

(N - 3) •

(N -4)

a

13
(N - 12)

41 ±6
27 ± 1
3± 1
21 ± 2
8±2
5.4 ± 0.2
0.73 ±0.17

45 ± l
21 ±2
4± 1
19 ± 1
10 ± 1
6.0 ±0.06
0.82 ±0.04

47 ±2
22 ± 1
5± 1
20 ± I
7± 1
6.3 ±0.1
0.86 ±0.06

12.3*
9.1 ± 2.1 d
10.2 ± 1.6'
23.2 ±0.9

4.4 ± 0.1 d
12.4 ± 0.4d
8.4 ±2.3'
20.4 ±2.1

5.4 ± 1.0*
7.4 ± 0.8 •
6.4 ±0.7'
27.2 ±6.8

2.0 ±0.7
90.3 ±27.7

0.8 ± 0.3
72.3 ± 13.4

6.7 ±3.2
42.2 ±8.8

• Number of rats per period, except where indicated otherwise.
• Mean ± standard error.
• One rat.
4 Two rata.

• Six rats.
* Significantly different from control (P < 0.0S) as shown by Dunnctt's multiple-comparison test following an analysis of variance.

TABLE 22
Tissue and Body Fluid Chemistry of Rats Fed NBS
Lead Paint Containing 11.92% Lead
TrettaM Week
Analytes

Serum electrophoresis
Albumin, %
Alpha ! globulin, %
Alpha 2 globulin, %
Beta globulin, %
Gamma globulin, %
Total protein, gm %
Albumin/globulin ratio
Erythrocyte
ALAD, Minot. PBG/
Males:
100 mi RBC/hr
Females:
Total:
Protoporphyrin, Mg/100 ml RBC
Urine
Coproporphyrin, Mg/24 hr
ALA, Mg/24 hr

a

4
(N -4)*

(N -4)

13
(N - 12)

52 ± 1 b
21 ± l
4± 1
20 ± 1
3 ± 1
5.4 ± 0.2
l.l ±0.03

44 ± 2
21 ±2
8±5
21 ±3
6± 1
6.0 ±0.2
0.78 ±0.06

44 ± 2
24 ± 1
7± l
21 ± 1
5 ± 1
6.1 ±0.1
0.82 ±0.06

8.5 ± 5.0'
10. t ±0.1'
9.3 ±2.1*
14.8 ±4.3

5.0 ± 0.3 •
15.0 ±5.1*
10.0 ±3.6
24.5 ± 1.8

4.9 ±0.6*
8.8 ± l.0d
6.9 ±0.8'
26.3 ± 1.2

2.0 ± 0.8
110.1 ±21.5

6.8 ±4.9
72.0 ± 13.6

4.6 ± 2.1
51.3 ±3.6

• Number of rets per period, except where indicated otherwise.
• Mean ± standard error.
• Two rats.
• Six rata.
• Significantly different from control (P < 0.05) as indicated by Dunneu's multipfe-comparisoa tees following an analyse of variance.

21
T

TABLE 23
Summary of Porphyrin Metabolism in Rats Fed Paint Chips for
13 Weeks Containing Different Concentrations of Lead
Enrimer*

DM

Control
0.08% Lead Octoate
0.53% Lead Octoate
2.05% Lead Octoate
0.42% Lead Chromate
1.95% Lead Chromate
12.43% Lead Chromate
66.05% Lead Chromate
11.92% NBS Lead Paint
•

Uriaarr

N•

ALAD*
OsaoL PBG/100
ad RBC/fcr)

Protoporpfcjnte
Otf/IOOad RBO

Coproporphyrii
0*f/24 fcr)

ALA*
0*/24 tar)

24
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12

15.0± 1.0*
14.0± 1.4
14.7 ±0.9
13.8 ±2.0
16.1 ± 1.0
13.1 ± 1.3
13.1 ± 1.0
6.4 ±0.7*
6.9 ±0.8*

29.2 ± 2.0
22.8 ±2.5
27.7 ±3.3
24.0 ±2.2
27.9 ±2.1
27.4 ± 1.5
24.6 ±2.0
27.2 ±6.8
26.3 ± 1.2

6.0 ± 1.9
2.9 ± 1.4
4.9 ±2.4
7.7 ±2.9
6.3 ±2.2
4.4± 1.9
2.6 ±0.8
6.7 ±3.2
4.6 ±2.1

43.4 ±5.0
35.0 ±6.7
50.5 ±6.6
64.5 ±8.8
85.3 ±31.4
66.5 ± 17.5
49.7 ± 12.5
42.2 ±8.8
51.3 ±3.6

Ammotevutinfc add dehydrate.

»t-AmindevuUaJc add.
• Number of mta par dint.
• Avaraps ± standard trror of number of rata indicated.
• Significantly different from control Cl* < 0.05) as shown by Ounnatt's multiple-comparison teat following an analysis of variance.

TABLE 24
Urinalysis of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing No Lead

4

a

13

7
1

6

20

2

4

Protein:
Negative
< 100 mg%
> 100 mg %
Microscopic Examination
RBC •:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
WBC •:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Epithelium b:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Crystals*:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Casts:
Negative
Positive
• Normal. 10 or
• Normal. S or
• Normal.

23
1

21
2
1
24

23
1

24

10*100 c o Mk lasaadte. > 100 ceUa/fidd ( X440).
--------- - 5-29 cede; eaeaadve. >25 ceito/ftaid (XI00).
t-5 cryssale; sirenivs. >5 cryatila/iald (XlOO).

22
\

•

TABLE 25
Urinalysis of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 0.08% Lead as Lead Octoate
Tiwt—t W«ck

4_______________a

ta

Protein:
Negative
< 100 mg %
> 100 mg %
Microscopic Examination
RBC *:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
WBC •:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Epithelium b:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Crystalsc:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Casts:
Negative
Positive

4

3
1

2

2

10
2

3

I

10

2

4

4

12

2
2

4

U
l

4

4

12

Numbers indicate number of rats at response level.
• Normal. 10 or less cells; moderate. HM00 cells: excessive. > 100 celts/fleld (X440).
• Normal. 3 or less ceils: moderate. 3-23 cells: excessive. >25 celts/fleld (Xl00).
• Normal, none; moderate. 1*3 crystals; excessive. >5 crystals/fleld (XlOO).

23

TABLE 26
Urinalysis of Rais Fed Paint Chips Containing 0.53% Lead as Lead Octoate
Treatment Week
4

8

4

3
1

10
l
1

2
l
1

2
2

10
l
1

4

l
3

9
3

4

4

12

4

12

4

12

13

Protein:
Negative
< 100 mg %
> 100 mg %
Microscopic Examination
RBC *:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
WBC •:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Epithelium b:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Crystalse:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Casts:
Negative
Positive

3.
l

4

Numbers indicate number of rats at response level.
• Normal. 10 or lew cells; moderate. 10-100 cells: exceanve. >100 ceils/field (X440).
Normal. S or less cells; moderate. 5-23 cells; excesnve. >23 ceils/ftetd (XI00).
« Normal, none; moderate, t-5 crystals; excesrivc. >3 crysuis/Held (X100).

24

TABLE 27
Urinalysis of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 2.05% Lead as Lead Octoate
Treatment Week
_________________________________________ 4________________________«

13

Protein:
Negative
< 100 mg %
> 100 mg %
Microscopic Examination
RBC *:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
WBC *:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Epithelium b:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Crystalsc:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Casts:
Negative
Positive

4

4

ii
i

4

4

12

3
l

3

8
4

l
4

4

12

2

4

12

4

12

2
4

Numbers indicate number of rats at response level.
* Normal. 10 or leas cells; moderate. 10-100 cells: excessive. > 100 ceils/fteld (X440).
* Normal, 5 or less ceils: moderate. 5-25 ceils; excessive. >25 cetls/Seld (XtOOh
* Normal, none; moderate, 1-5 crystals; excessive. >5 crystals/field (X100).

25

TABLE 28
Urinalysis of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 0.42% Lead as Lead Chromate
tWMk

4

13

Protein:
Negative
< 100 mg %
> 100 mg %
Microscopic Examination
RBC *:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
WBC •:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Epithelium b:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Crystals e:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Casts:
Negative
Positive

4

10

2

l
l

3

l

8

l

3

3
l

2
2

3
1

8
1

3
4

4

12

2

4

12

4

12

1
l

4

Numbers indicate number of rats at response level.
• Normal. 10 or less ceils; moderate. 10-100 cells; exceanve. > 100 cetls/fletd (X440).
• Normal. 5 or teas cells; moderate. .*1-25 cells; exceedve. >25 cells/Held (XlOO).
• Normal, none; moderate. 1-5 crystals; exceadve. >5 crystals/Held (XlOO).

26

2

TABLE 29
Urinalysis of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 1.95% Lead as Lead Chromate
Treatment Week
4

8

13

3

3

11

Protein:
Negative
< 100 mg %
> 100 mg %
Microscopic Examination
RBC •:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
WBC •:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Epithelium b:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Crystalsc:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Casts:
Negative
Positive

l

l
1

4

3

12

l

2
2

3

8
3

1

l

4

4

12

4

4

12

4

4

12

Numbers indicate number of rats at response level.
• Normal, 10 or less ceils: moderate, 10-100 ceils: excessive. > 100 celts/ftetd (X440).
b Normal. 5 or less cells; moderate. 9-23 cells: excessive. >29 cells/field (X100).
« Normal, none; moderate. 1-9 crystals; excessive, >3 crystals/Held (X100).

\ .

27

TABLE 30
Urinalysis of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 12.43% Lead as Lead Chromate
TrcaOncat Week
4

S

13

i
3

l
2
1

9
3

4

l

11
I

Protein:
Negative
< 100 mg %
> 100 mg %
Microscopic Examination
RBC •:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
WBO:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Epithelium b:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Crystals*:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Casts:
Negative
Positive

3
i
l
2

11

4

4

II
1

2
2

4

12

4

4

12

t
3

l

Number* indicate number of rats at response level.
• Normal, 10 or less cells: moderate. 10-100 cells: excessive. > 100 cetts/fletd (X440).
* Normal. 3 or less cells: moderate. S-23 celts; excessive, >29 celts/Aeld (X100).
« Normal, none; moderate, 1-5 crysuit; excessive. >5 cryatals/Aeld (X100).

28

*

TABLE 31
Urinalysis of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 66.05% Lead as Lead Carbonate
Treatment Week
4

8

13

3
l

4

11
1

4

2
2

11

Protein:
Negative
< 100 mg %
> 100 mg %
Microscopic Examination
RBC •:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
WBC •:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Epithelium b:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Crystalsc:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Casts:
Negative
Positive

1

2
2

2
2

2

4

4

12

3.

4

12

4

12

10

1
4

Numbers indicate number of rau at response level.
• Normal. 10 or less ceils; moderate. 10-100 cells: excestive. > 100 ceils/field (X440).
b Normal. S or less cells; moderate. 5-25 cells; excesaive. >23 ceils/field (X100).
• Normal, none; moderate. 1-3 crystals; excessive. >3 crystais/fietd (X100).

29

TABLE 32
Urinalysis of Rats Fed Paint Chips Containing 11.92% Lead (NBS Lead Paint)
i ramnm ncQi

*____________________«____________________ 13_
Protein:
Negative
< 100 mg %
> 100 mg %
Microscopic Examination
RBC •:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
WBC •:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Epithelium b:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Crystalse:
Normal
Moderate
Excessive
Casts:
Negative
Positive

2

3

7

2

5
1

2

4

12

3
1

11
1

4

4

12

4

4

12

4

4

12

2

2

2

Numbers indicate number of rats at response level.
• Normal. 10 or less cells; moderate, 10-100 cells; exceedv*. > 100 cells/fldd (X440).
v Normal. 3 or less cells; moderate, 5-23 cells; excesrive, >23 cctls/fleid (Xl00).
• Normal, none; moderate, 1-5 crystals; excessive, >5 crystals/field (XI00).

TABLE 33
Lead Content of Whole Blood
Treatnaat Week

DM

4*

8*

Control •*
0.08% Lead Octoate
0.53% Lead Octoate
2.05% Lead Octoate
0.42% Lead Chromate
I. 95% Lead Chromate
12.43% Lead Chromate
66.05% Lead Carbonate
II. 92% NBS Lead Paint
• Values deleted due to contamiaetson.
h Four samples were omitted due to contamination.
• Number of rat Moods analysed per group unless indicated otherwise.
< Sixteen Mood samples were analysed.
• Average * of lead/100 ml Mood ± standard error of number of rats shown in parenthesis.
< One Mood sample loot.
e Significantly different from control (P < 0.03) as shown by Dunnstt's multiple-comparison test following an analysis of venence.
6 Twelve Mood samples analysed.

30

u*
(#)•

13.1 ±0.9 (16)12.8 ds 0.8 (8)
16.4 ± 2.4 (7)»
14.5 ± 1.5(8)
13.2 ±. 1.0 (8)
12.0 ± 1.4(8)
19.4 ± 2.2 (8)*
24.9 ± 2.2(8)*
23.9 db 1.3 (12)» h

TABLE 34
Lead Content of Brain
Treatment Week
Diet

Control b
0.08% Lead Octoate
0.53% Lead Octoate
2.05% Lead Octoate
0.42% Lead Chromate
1.95% Lead Chromate
12.43% Lead Chromate
66.05% Lead Carbonate
11.92% NBS Lead Paint

4
(4)*

8
(4)

13
(12)

n.d.e
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.

n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.

n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
0.2 ± 0.ld (7)

• Number of brains analyzed per group unless indicated otherwise.
*> Eight brains were analyzed at 4 und g weeks. Twenty-four brains were analyzed at 13 weeks.
* Not detectable. Below sensitivity of 0.07 Mg. gm of brain.
Average Mg of lead, gm brain ± standard error number of rats shown in parenthesis.

TABLE 35
Lead Content of Liver
Treatment Week
Diet

Controlb
0.08% Lead Octoate
0.53% Lead Octoate
2.05% Lead Octoate
0.42% Lead Chromate
1.95% Lead Chromate
12.43% Lead Chromate
66.05% Lead Carbonate
11.92% NBS Lead Paint

8

4
(4)‘

(4)

n.d.c
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.

n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.

13
(12)

n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
l.l ±0.6* (2)
0.4 db 0.1 (9)

» Number of livers analyzed per eroup unless indicated otherwise.
*> Eight livers were analyzed at 4 and t weeks. Twenty-four livers were analysed at 13 weeks.
« Not detectable. Below sensitivity of 0.07 n</gm Uver.
<* Values arc average Mg of lead/ grn Uver ± standard error of number of rats shown in parenthesis.

31
\

TABLE 36
Lead Content of Kidney
Treatment Week
Diet

Controlb
0.08% Lead Octoate
0.53% Lead Octoate
2.03% Lead Octoate
0.42% Lead Chromate
1.95% Lead Chromate
12.43% Lead Chromate
66.05% Lead Carbonate
11.92% NBS Lead Paint

8

4
(4)*

(4)

13
(12)

n.d.0
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
nd
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.

n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
n.d.
1.4 ±0.1* (4)

n.d.
0.3(1)
0.3(1)
0.4 ± 0.1 (2)
0.5(1)
4.2* (1)
0.4 ±0.0 (3)
2.3 ±0.2(8)
1.9 ±0.1 (12)

• Number of kidneys analysed per group unless otherwise indicated.

• Eight kidneys were analysed at 4 and g weeks. Twenty-four kidneys were analysed at 13 weeks.
• Not detectable. Below sensitivity of 0.07 Mt/gm kidney.

* No explanation for unusually high value.

* Values are Mg of icad/gm kidney or average mS of lead/gm kidney ± standard error of number of rats shown in parenthesis.

TABLE 37
Lead Content of Bone (Femur)
Treatment Week
Diet

Controlb
0.08% Lead Octoate
0.53% Lead Octoate
2.05% Lead Octoate
0.42% Lead Chromate
1.95% Lead Chromate
12.43% Lead Chromate
66.03% Lead Carbonate
11.92% NBS Lead Paint

8

4
<4V

(4)

lXO
3.1(1)
n.d.»
n.d.
2.9(1)
0.9(1)
3.3(1)
13.0 ±4.1 (4)
14.9 ± 1.5(4)

3.9 ±0.4(8)
4.2 ±0.6(4)
3.9 ±0.2 (4)
3.0 ±0.7 (4)
2.6 ±0.9 (4)
1.8 ±0.2 (4)
3.1 ± 1.1(4)
16.0 ± 2.1 (4)'
16.4 ±0.4 (4)'

* Number of bones analyzed per group unless indicated otherwise.
* Eight bones were analysed at 4 and I weeks. Twenty-four bones wem analyzed at 13 weeks.
* Values are eg of Icad/gm bone or avenge ag of lead/gm bone d: standard error of number of mu shown in parenthesis.
* Not detectable. Below sensitivity of 0.4 **/gni of bone.
* Two samples Io s l
‘ Significantly diflbrent from control (P < 0.05) as shown by Ounnett's multiple-comparison test following an analysis of variance.

32

13
(12)
3.2 ±0.2 (24)
3.3 ±0.3(12)
3.1 ±0.2(12)

3.9 ±0.5 (12)
3.8 ± 0.6 (12)
4.1 ±0.5(12)
3.5 ± 0.5 (10)*
21.7 ±2.4 (12)'
10.9 ±0.9 (12)'

At 13 weeks, detectable levels of lead
in the brain appeared only in the rats fed 11.92%
NBS lead paint. In the liver, detectable levels of
lead were found in two rats fed 66.05% lead car­
bonate paint chips and nine rats fed 11.92% NBS
lead paint. No lead was detected in the kidneys of
the control group at 13 weeks. In contrast, lead
was detected in the kidneys of one to two rats in
each lead octoate group and the 0.42% and
1.95% lead chromate groups. Lead was detected
in the kidneys of three rats, eight rats and 12 rats
in the 12.43% lead chromate paint, 66.05% lead
carbonate paint, and 11.92% NBS lead paint
groups, respectively.
The femurs of rats fed the control diet,
lead octoate or lead chromate paints exhibited
very little lead at 4 weeks. However, the femurs
of rats fed 66.05% lead carbonate or 11.92%
NBS lead paint contained 13.0 and 14.9 jug of
lead/gm of bone, respectively.
At 8 weeks, the femurs of rats fed the
control, lead octoate or lead chromate diets con­
tained similar quantities of lead, ranging from 1.84.2 jig lead/gm bone. Lead content in the femurs
in the 66.05% lead carbonate and 11.92% NBS
groups were 16.0 and 16.4 pg of lead/gm of bone,
respectively. Both of these values were signifi­
cantly above control.
After 13 weeks, the rats fed lead octo­
ate or lead chromate had no more lead in their
femurs than at 8 weeks and these levels were no
higher than those in the control group. The
66.05% lead carbonate group exhibited higher
levels of lead in their femurs (21.7 fig lead/gm
bone) than at 8 weeks. The 11.92% NBS lead
paint group had less lead in their femurs (10.9 jig
lead/gm bone) than at 8 weeks. The lead levels
in both of these groups were significantly greater
than those observed in the control rats.
I. Pathology of Rata Fed Paiat Chips Containing
Different Concentrations of Lead
The relative organ weights of the thyroid, spleen,
heart, kidneys, fiver, adrenals, brain and gonads
are shown in Table 38. The Dunnett’s multiplecomparison test showed that none of the relative
organ weights differed from control values.

The pathology of rats fed the control,
2.05% lead octoate, 12.43% lead chromate,
66.05% lead carbonate or 11.92% NBS lead
paint diets for 13 weeks is shown in Tables 39-43.
The control rats had a few naturally
occurring lesions. Fourteen of the twenty-four
(58.390%) rats had mild to moderate lymphoid
hyperplasia in the lungs, characteristic of early
minute pneumonia. One of these rats had a mod­
erate pneumonia and another one a mild emphy­
sema. Other lesions included an unspecific myo­
carditis in two rats; foci of subacute inflammation
in the liver of two rats; a cross-section of a para­
site (roundworm) in the colon of one rat; and foci
of mononuclear cell infiltration in the kidneys of
two rats. The bone marrow myeloid/erythroid
cell ratios (M/E) of all rats were within normal
limits.
The lesions observed in rats fed the
2.05% lead octoate diet were similar to the lesions
seen in the control rats. Seven out of the 12 rats
(58.3%) had mild to moderate lymphoid hyper­
plasia in the lungs and one had mild pneumonia.
Four rats had mild foci of subacute inflammation
in the liver characterized by a loss of several
hepatic cord cells which were replaced by macro­
phages and lymphocytes. Another rat had a focus
of inflammation in the interstitial tissue of the
pancreas. The M/E ratios of.these rats were
normal.
The rats fed the 12.43% lead chromate
diet had lesions similar to the lesions seen in the
control rats. Seven of 12 rats (58.3%) had mild
to moderate lymphoid hyperplasia, and one had
mild pneumonia. Only one rat had a moderate
unspecific myocarditis. The M/E ratios were
normal.
The lesions seen in the rats fed the
11.92% NBS lead paint diet were similar to those
lesions seen in the control rats. Eight of 12 rats
(66.7%) had different degrees of lymphoid hyper­
plasia in the lungs. In one rat pneumonia was evi­
dent. Unspecific myocarditis occurred in 2 rats
while foci of inflammation in the liver were ob­
served in only one rat The M/E ratios were
normal.
In conclusion, the pathology seen in the
control and treated rats were characteristic of those
in a normal population of rats. No evidence of
lead-induced lesions was found.

n

i

r,

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33

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TABLE 38
Relative Organ Weights of Rats Fed Diets Containing Different
Concentrations of Lead in Paint Chips for 13 Weeks

3
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35

TABLE 40
Pathology of Rats Fed For 13 Weeks With Paint Chips Containing
2.05% Lead as Lead Octoate
Rt N«.

Lungs
Lymphoid hyperplasia
Pneumonia
Liver
Foci of inflammation
Pancreas
Foci of inflammation
Bone Marrow
M/E ratio

«386S7888990

1*

2

1

93

1

969?9e99lOO

1

2

1

1.2

1.3

1.8

159

140

l

1

1.2

1.0

1.7

1.0

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.4

Tissues not listed were normal.
• Severity of lesions: 1 •minimal; 2-modcratc; 3-sevete; 4-very severe: db questionable.

TABLE 41
Pathology of Rats Fed For 13 Weeks With Paint Chips Containing
12.43% Lead as Lead Chromate
R«t No.

Lungs
Lymphoid hyperplasia
Pneumonia
Heart
Myocarditis
Bone Marrow
M/E ratio

143

144

147

2*2

I4S

149

l

ISO

153

154

157

1

221

1

2
1.2

1.0

1.0

1.2

1.1

1.4

l.l

1.4

1.5

Tissues not listed were normal.
• Severity of lesions: !-minims!; 2-modemae; 3-severs; 4.very severs: ds questionable.

36

15S

\

1.4

1.2

1.5

TABLE 42
Pathology ot Rats Fed For 13 Weeks With Paint Chips
Containing 66.05% Lead as Lead Carbonate
Rat No.

Lungs
Lymphoid hyperplasia
Pneumonia
Heart
Myocarditis
Liver
Foci of inflammation
Skeletal muscle
Miositis
Bone Marrow
M/E ratio

163

166

167

168

i •

i

i

169

170

173

174

177

17S

2

i

179

180

l

l

i

*
i

2

l

1

i

1

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.0

t.l

1.3

1.2

1.0

1.4

1.3

l.l

1.4

TABLE 43
Pathology of Rats Fed For 13 Weeks With NBS Lead Paint Chips
Containing 11.92% Lead
Rat No.

Lungs
Lymphoid hyperplasia
Pneumonia
Heart
Myocarditis
Liver
Foci of inflammation
Bone Marrow
M/E ratio

in

m

2*

2

1SS

MS

MS

2
2
2

IN

193

194

2

19S

IN

199

200

1

2

1

2

1.3

1.2

1.3

l
l

1.2

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.3

1.2

1.2

1.4

1.3

TIn k ms not Hated were normnL
• Severity of lerione: l-mmimnl; 2-modereie; 3-eevete; 4-very severe; ± queerioonMe.

37

Even though erythrocyte ALAD was
depressed 50%, the overall effect on porphyrin
metabolism must be considered mild, since there
was no concomitant change in the levels of pro­
toporphyrin (erythrocyte), delta-aminolevulinic
acid and coproporphyrin. These observations are
consistent with reports that blood lead levels
greater than 40 Mg/100 ml RBC are needed be­
fore serious changes in porphyrin metabolism
occur.14

IV. Discussion
The levels of lead fed to rats in the study were
sufficient to produce significant elevation of body
lead burden if the lead is in the form of lead ni­
trate.11 If we equate the amount of lead consumed
by the average rat fed paint chips containing
2.05% lead octoate, 12.43% lead chromate,
66.05% lead carbonate, and 11.92% NBS lead
paint diets to a 14.6 kg (3-year old) child, we
find that the lead consumption would equal 39.4,
156.0, 577.8, and 147.8 mg of lead/day, respec­
tively. On the basis of a 2% lead paint, the total
paint intake would be 2.0, 7.8, 28.9, and 7.4
gm/day respectively. Daily ingestion of these
quantities of old paint containing white lead have
been reported to produce lead poisoning.1
There were no changes in hematology,
urinalysis or serum proteins in the rats fed lead
octoate, lead chromate or lead carbonate. The rats
fed the NBS lead paint did exhibit a significant
reduction in hemoglobin and a mild proteinuria at
13 weeks. Otherwise, the hematology, urinalysis
and serum proteins in the rats fed NBS lead paint
were normal. Porphyrin metabolism was affected
as early as 4 weeks in rats fed either the 66.05%
lead carbonate diet or the 11.92% NBS lead paint
diet as evidenced in a 50% depression of erythro­
cyte ALAD activity. This effect appeared to be
directly related to the concentration of blood lead
as has been reported by others.14aU There was one
exception: blood lead in the 12.43% lead chro­
mate group became elevated by the 13th week,
but there was no depression of ALAD activity.
This discrepancy could be related to the duration
of elevated blood lead or the age of the animal
when blood lead became elevated.

38

.

The body lead burden of rats fed paint
containing lead octoate or lead chromate was no
different from control until 13 weeks. At this time
lead was found in the kidneys of one to three rats
on each of the lead octoate and lead chromate
diets. The rats with measurable kidney lead in the
lead octoate, 0.42% lead chromate or 1.95% lead
chromate groups did not have concomitant increases in blood, brain, liver or bone lead. Thus,
these rats did not have a significant increase in
body lead-burden. On the other hand, the rats fed
the 12.43% lead chromate diet had elevated blood
lead and thus, a significant elevation of body leadburden. Since rats fed lead nitrate show elevated
lead levels in blood, kidneys, bone and liver within
2 weeks,11 it appears that the lead octoate and
lead chromate were either not readily absorbed
or not otherwise available for absorption.
Complete gross and microscopic path­
ology was performed on the rats that were fed the
control, 2.05% lead octoate, 12.43% lead chro­
mate, and 11.92% NBS lead paint diets for 13
weeks. All of these rats were reletively free of
lesions, and those lesions which were observed,
occur naturally in rat colonies.

NC *

n

J

Conclusions
Older paint formulations contained soluable lead
salts. Two samples of paint chips representative
of these formulations were fed to rats at 0.1% of
their diets. One was supplied by the National
Bureau of Standards and was removed from inter­
ior walls of older homes. It contained 11.92%
lead. The other was an old formulation contain­
ing 66.05% lead carbonate. Both of these sam­
ples produced classical signs of lead poisoning in
the rats. These signs consisted of erythrocyte
ALAD depression (50%) and significant in­
creases in blood, kidney, bone, liver and/or brain
lead.
Newer paint formulations contain in­
soluble lead pigments and low levels of lead driers.
Several samples of paint chips containing up to
12.43% lead chromate pigment and up to 2.0%
lead octoate drier were also fed to rats as 0.1%
of their diets. The only evidence of toxicity or
effect on body burden appear in the rats fed the

paint containing 12.43% lead chromate. This con­
sisted of an increase in blood lead, without other
signs of poisoning. Paint containing 1.95% lead
chromate and paint containing 2.05% lead octo­
ate produced no detectable changes in the rats.
The quantity of lead fed as paint chips
containing either 2.05% lead octoate or 1.95%
lead chromate would have approximated an in­
take of 40 mg/day in a 3-year-old child weighing
14.6 kilograms. This daily intake has been re­
ported to produce lead poisoning in children if the
lead was aviliable for absorption. Since the body
lead-burdens of the rats fed 2.05% lead octoate
or 1.95% lead chromate were not increased, it
can be assumed that the lead in these paint chips
was not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition, lead in paint scraped from old dwel­
lings—not the newly formulated paint—deposited
in the brain, even though the blood lead concen­
trations of both were similar.

39