MATERNAL AND UMBILICAL-CORD BLOOD LEAD LEVEL IN ABHA-MATERNITY-HOSPITAL, SOUTHERN SAUDI-ARABIA

Objective: To determine maternal and umbilical cord blood lead levels in the main maternity hospital in Southern Saudi Arabia, and to identi fy the possible source of lead. Study design: Whole blood (4 ml) was c ollected from a total of 172 pregnant ladies and similarly from the co rds on the day of delivery. Blood lead concentration of both maternal and umbilical cord was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotome try. Personal interviews of the mothers was conducted to identify the possible sources of lead. Results and conclusion: The mean concentrati on of lead in maternal and cord blood were 112.8 +/- 7.84 and 82.38 +/ - 5.52 mu g/L, respectively. There was a direct relationship between m aternal and umbilical cord blood lead level (p<0.001). Our results of personal interviews indicate that lead-containing cosmetic ''khol'' is the most likely source of lead in the blood of pregnant females.