Environmental lead: need for reference materials

The status of the availability and appropriateness of standard reference materials (RMs) currently available for Pb in paint, dust, soil and drinking water is reviewed. The need for RMs which will be most appropriate for environmental Pb analysis in the context of the analytical techniques used, government regulations and health effects, is assessed. Also, the importance of factors such as bioavailability, sample size, homogeneity and composition that should be considered in developing appropriate RMs certified for Pb in paint, dust, soil and drinking water is stressed.