The differences in average blood lead levels (PbB) between iron-defici
ent children of both gypsy and Caucasian origin were determined. PbB w
ere assayed in 89 iron-deficient children (Group ID): 25 gypsies and 6
4 Caucasians. Two subgroups were established: sub-group ID1, 57 iron-d
eficient children without anaemia(ll gypsies, 46 Caucasians), and sub-
group ID2, 32 children with iron deficiency anaemia (14 gypsies; 18 Ca
ucasians). Group IS composed of 41 iron-sufficient children (11 gypsie
s and 30 Caucasians) served as controls. Blood counts, red-cell indice
s, serum iron concentrations, serum ferritin, and PbB were determined
for the entire study population. The average PbB for gypsy and Caucasi
an iron-deficient children, were 14.25 and 7.25 mu g/dl (P < 0.01) res
pectively. The prevalence of iron-deficient children with toxic PbB (>
20 mu g/dl) was higher in gypsies (24%) than in Caucasians (1.5%) (P
< 0.01). A difference in average PbB between the two ethnic groups was
also seen in children with normal iron metabolism (average PbB, 10.23
vs 5.65 mu g/dl for gypsies and Caucasians, respectively, P < 0.001).
Conclusion Gypsy children should be considered as a population group
at risk of lead poisoning in our environment.