Atmospheric lead pollution in KwaZulu/Natal, South Africa

Average atmospheric concentrations of lead were found to be 1.8, 0.86, 0.56 and 0.44 μg m−3 in industrial, commercial, park/beach and residential areas of Durban. Exposure to these elevated levels would represent a health hazard to many children in the city. Lower lead concentrations were found in a local township (0.26 μg m−3) and rural (0.03 μg m−3) areas of Natal Province. The study provided background data that can be used to follow the trajectory of change in atmospheric lead levels now that lead-free gasoline has been introduced into the country.