[Exposure to lead among the population of Barcelona: chronologic trends from 1984 to 1995].

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to determine current lead exposure in the Barcelona population and to evaluate the changes occurred during the last 10 years. Blood lead concentration was investigated in a random sample of 694 healthy subjects (age range: 0-65 years).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Adults were random selected from a group of blood donors. Samples of children analysed were selected from subjects with a preoperatory analyses without any disease that could modify blood lead levels. Lead levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry.

RESULTS

Blood lead concentration was 4.06 +/- 1.4 micrograms/dl in umbilical cord, 8.9 +/- 2.9 micrograms/dl in the paediatric population and 7.8 +/- 4.2 micrograms/dl in the total of adults analyzed. There was statistical differences between the younger subjects and the older population. In 1984 the results found were 18.6 +/- 6.6 micrograms/dl.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained show that in the last 10 years a reduction on the blood lead levels was occurred. This reduction is parallel with a diminish in the lead petrol concentration in the ambient air.