BLOOD LEAD IN THE GENERAL-POPULATION IN POLAND

Lead concentration in venous blood (Pb-B) was investigated in 1122 inh abitants (including 555 children under 10 years of age) of five Polish towns with no large industrial lead emitters (group I) and in 1246 pe rsons (707 children under 10 years of age) living in the vicinity of z inc and copper mills (group II). The samples were analysed using elect rothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) and the performing la boratory participated in the external quality control scheme during th e study period (1992-1994). In group I the mean geometric Pb-B concent rations ranged from 23.8 to 48.3 mu g/l in females, from 42.5 to 76.8 mu g/l in males and from 29.9 to 62.5 mu g/l in children. In group II, the mean geometric Pb-B concentrations were significantly higher and ranged from 49.4 to 105 mu g/l in females, from 98.5 to 149 mu g/l in males and from 73.7 to 114 mu g/l in children, the values decreasing a s the distance from the source of emission increased. Cigarette smokin g was found to bring about a significant increase in Pb-B levels for b oth males and females. A significant correlation was noted between Pb- B concentrations in mothers and children. The ratio between child and maternal Pb-B concentrations amounted to approximately 1.0 for group I and to about 0.5 for group II. These findings indicate the necessity of undertaking preventive activities over the lead-contaminated areas, However, the lead hazard in Poland seems to be associated with point sources of emission and hence does not concern the whole population.