IEUBK Model

The Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model, otherwise known as the IEUBK  Model  is used to measure lead  in children to predict the risk of elevatedblood lead level due to exposure.  The model primarily focuses on children seven years or younger to test their blood lead level. The IEUBK model is easily accessible on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website. The model also help predict the risk that children are who are exposed to lead endure, high blood lead levels in children can result in serious health conditions. Furthermore, the IEUBK model is a tool used in determining the risk, and cleanup that needs to be done at sites that are contaminated.

The IEUBK model is a tool that provides its users with four modules that makes the process easier when calculating the levels of lead exposure in young children. These modules consist of the: exposure module, uptake module, biokinetic module, and lastly the probability distribution module.

The exposure module uses lead concentrations that is present in the environment and the rate at which a child can inhale or ingest the contaminated item or substance that a child can be exposed to. Exposure can come from soil, water, dust, and even ones diet. For example Dr. Moss examined pottery that many Hispanic cultures cook their meals in. However, the glaze on this dishes had extremely high lead levels. Therefore, as the food was cooking the glaze essentially seeped into the food causing exposure by ingestion and this was most likely over a long period of time.

The uptake module explains and modifies the lead intakerates by calculating the data collected by the exposure module.The biokinetic module is used to address the transfer of absorbed lead between blood and other tissue or organs within the body. Specifically this module assesses the different pathways or routes of exposure that lead can take in the body. Furthermore, how children’s exposure rates can be distributed to other locations in the body causing harm to the child’s health. The biokinetic module allows toxicologists to have a better understanding of the significance of exposure. Understanding the results involves a professional to have a known source that they can associate with the exposure to the specific part of the body.

When accessing the model there are instructions as to where to input the values collected into an equation. After inputting the results the program runs the complex equations so that it does not have to be measured by individuals, this eliminated the risk of human error.  Professionals use this tool to help determine blood lead levels. For example, in class Dr. Moss brought in different items that children often play with or use that had high lead levels. Additionally, when thinking about kids in this age group they are more likely than not going to put these items in their mouths, furthermore increasing the intake of lead. This can be very dangerous if the rate of exposure is drawn out.

The primary goal of the IEUBK model is to make sure that environmental exposures such as soil, water, and dust are at safe lead levels giving no more than a 5% chance of the child’s safety. Additionally, the model is very site-specific as opposed to other risk assessment tools or models that the Environmental Protection Agency uses. 

Citations:

https://www.epa.gov/superfund/lead-superfund-sites-frequent-questions-risk-assessors-integrated-exposure-uptake

Class handout - short sheet: Overview of the IEUBK Model for Lead in Children