Abstract A study using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy in conjunction with chemical analyses was undertaken to determine the form of lead (Pb) compound(s) used as additives in plastic bags. Comparison of Pb LIII-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) in samples with those of the standards, and XANES simulation studies revealed that spectra of samples were almost identical to that of PbCrO4, and ca. 80% of Pb was present in the form of PbCrO4. These findings were supported by the facts that Cr-XANES spectra of samples resembled that of PbCrO4, and Cr/Pb molar ratios in samples calculated from simulation of XANES agreed reasonably well with those of the chemical data. Results of k3-weighted extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra of three of the samples showed that they resembled that of the PbCrO4.