Human bio-monitoring study--toxic elements in blood of women.

The article describes bio-monitoring study concerning recent and long-term exposure of Czech women to toxic metals. Blood cadmium, mercury and lead levels were measured in groups of women with various life styles, etc., to have comparable results in the course of a long study period; a strong emphasis was laid on the quality control of the whole process during the study. Higher cadmium level was found in smokers compared to non-smokers, lower mercury level was found in the group of women who never eat fish. A slight increase of blood lead level with age was observed. No significant differences were found between localities in a given period. Our results do not differ from those gained in other European countries.