To demonstrate the ability of the lead isotope signature technique to evidence the spatial extent of an industrial Pb deposition plume at a local scale, dry deposition of lead in the urban environment of a Pb–Zn refinery was investigated, as a study case, using transient (“short-lived”) isotopic signatures of the industrial source. Sampling campaigns were achieved in representative weather conditions, on an 8-h basis. Dry deposition rates measured downwind from refinery emissions (≈102–103μgPbm−2h−1), cross-sectionally in a 3–5km radius area around the plant, represent 10–100 times the urban background dry fallout, measured upwind, as well as fallout measured near other potential sources of anthropogenic Pb. The Pb–Zn refinery isotopic signature (approx. 1.100