Updating lead standards

Lead exposure has declined in the United States since the toxic metal was virtually eliminated from gasoline, paints and food canning, but the Environmental Protection Agency is examining whether its standards for airborne lead have kept pace with scientific studies.

Cliff Davidson, an environmental engineer at Carnegie Mellon University, and a student, Allison Harris, will participate on an EPA expert panel that will convene tomorrow in Research Triangle, N.C., to discuss the air standards.

Lead exposure can reduce IQ and cause behavioral problems in children. Research since the 1970s suggests these toxic effects occur at much lower exposures than originally suspected, Davidson said. More stringent air standards are justified, he contended, noting his research shows that lead particulates can still be found in many urban areas.

Pitt fills research office post

The University of Pittsburgh has named Allen A. DiPalma as director of its Office of Research, which assists researchers applying for grants and ensures that the university complies with regulations associated with sponsored research.

DiPalma, who has a master's in business administration from Pitt's Katz Graduate School of Business, worked in the epidemiology department and the department of research and cost accounting before becoming financial research administrator for health sciences in 1999.