Predictors of blood lead concentrations in the lead-free gasoline era.
OBJECTIVE
Blood lead concentrations in a Danish reference population were related to information from an extensive questionnaire on work, environment, and life-style.


METHODS
Data were gathered for 209 persons by means of a questionnaire and blood lead analyses.


RESULTS
The mean concentration of lead in blood was 0.167 micromol/l (ie, significantly lower than in previous studies). This finding is in accordance with the fact that less than 10% of the gasoline used in Denmark contains lead additives (up to 0.15 g/l). An important finding was that the well-documented predictors for lead in blood at higher concentration levels, such as age, gender, menopausal status, and intake of alcohol, are still valid in a low-level exposure situation. In addition, a strong and negative correlation was found between blood lead concentrations and dietary supplementation with vitamins and minerals.


CONCLUSIONS
The present data indicate that lead exposure may still constitute a health risk in a small proportion of adult men and postmenopausal women.
Nielsen
J B
JB
Institute of Community Health, Odense University, Denmark.
Grandjean
P
P
Jørgensen
P J
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005742:Gasoline / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D005742:Gasoline; D014131:Trace Elements; D014815:Vitamins; D007854:Lead