Abstract
Urban dust samples from different locales in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were analyzed for lead and cadmium. Mean Pb and Cd concentrations in industrial sites were 208 and 2.8 mu g/g, respectively, while corresponding levels in rural areas were 106 and 1.6 mu g/g. The higher dust Pb levels in urban areas are associated with traffic exhaust, and elevated Cd levels are ascribed to industrial activities. While the Pb levels in dust in Riyadh are lower relative to other areas, a need for reduced Pb contamination is expressed.