自来水中铅颗粒的存在是一个被低估的问题 美国铅中毒的原因。 常规的水取样程序可能会“漏掉”铅 存在于饮用水中的颗粒物。因此 人类通过这种铅接触的真实程度 污染可能被低估。作者 描述华盛顿最近的铅中毒案例， 北卡罗来纳州格林维尔特区和北卡罗来纳州达勒姆 批准的水取样程序没有显示原因 警报。此外，作者还比较了生物利用度 饮用水中铅颗粒的检测 水样，然后比较人类接触的情况 用于检测水样中的实用程序。他们的发现 揭示当前铅检测的潜在局限性 方法。这些信息可用于改善电流 水取样和保存程序。包括39个参考文献、表格和图表。

The presence of lead particles in tap water is an under-appreciated cause of lead poisoning in the United States. Routine water sampling procedures can "miss" lead particles present in drinking water. Consequently, the true extent of human exposure through this type of lead contamination can be underestimated. The authors describe recent cases of lead poisoning in Washington, D.C., Greenville, North Carolina, and Durham, North Carolina, when approved water sampling procedures did not show cause for alarm. Also, the authors compare the bioavailability of lead particles when ingested to their detection in drinking water samples and, in turn, compare human exposure to what utilities detect in water samples. Their findings reveal the potential limitations in current lead detection methods. This information can be used to improve current water sampling and preservation procedures. Includes 39 references, tables, figures.