Lead Isotope Source Attribution
Definition
A forensic tool for tracing the geological or industrial origin of lead in a sample. The 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/206Pb ratios are characteristic of the ore source and are unchanged by industrial processing. Used to link blood-lead in Bangladeshi children to the lead-chromate pigment applied to local turmeric.
Related terms
- Acid-Insoluble Ash
- The fraction of a food's mineral content that does not dissolve in 10% hydrochloric acid, reflecting mineral adulterants (brick, sand, talc, soil)....
- Epidemic Dropsy
- The clinical syndrome caused by sanguinarine from argemone-oil-adulterated mustard oil: bilateral pitting oedema, erythema with brownish discolouration, glaucoma from trabecular meshwork permeability...
- FSSAI Manual of Methods
- The Indian reference method catalogue (Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods), published by the Food Safety Division of the Ministry of...
- HHXRF
- Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometry: a portable elemental analysis method that detects characteristic X-ray emission from elements in the sample. Used for field...
- ICP-MS
- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: the laboratory reference method for trace element quantification in food matrices. Uses high-temperature argon plasma to atomise...
- Lead Chromate (PbCrO4)
- Chrome yellow, a synthetic inorganic pigment historically used in industrial paints and road markings. Added to turmeric to intensify the yellow colour;...
- RASFF
- Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed: the EU notification mechanism (under Regulation EU 178/2002) for immediate cross-border communication of food safety...
- Sanguinarine
- A benzophenanthridine alkaloid (C20H14NO4+) present in Argemone mexicana seed oil. The principal toxic component of argemone-oil contamination in mustard oil; inhibits pyruvate...
- Sudan Dyes (I-IV)
- Fat-soluble monoazo and bisazo synthetic pigments (MW 248-380 g/mol) prohibited in food globally; added to chilli and paprika to enhance red colour....
Explained in
- Edible Oils and Spices: Argemone Oil, Sudan Dyes and Lead Chromate in TurmericA forensic tool for tracing the geological or industrial origin of lead in a sample. The 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/206Pb ratios are characteristic of the ore sourc...