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High blood lead levels amongst Hinayana Buddhist monks: A possible effect due to daily exposure to joss stick and candle smoke

Lead (Pb) has no relevant biological functions and is one of the most toxic metals. Among several other heavy metals, monitoring of Pb is an important focus in occupational medicine. In exposure and risk evaluation, monitoring Pb biologically has several advantages over technical exposure assessment. In this study, a high blood level of Pb was found amongst Hinayana Buddhist monks, who constitute a new forgotten high-risk population. The high blood Pb levels amongst this population might be due to prolonged exposure to joss stick and candle smoke.