Yearly measurements of blood lead in Swedish children since 1978: An update focusing on the petrol lead free period 1995-2001

Abstract

Background and Aims: To assess blood lead concentrations (B-Pb) in children not exposed to petrol lead. In a previous paper we reported the results for the period 1978-94 (2441 children measured). A substantial decrease of B-Pb was found, which reflected a beneficial effect of gradual banning of petrol lead. Since 1994, petrol sold in Sweden has not contained lead. Methods: In the south of Sweden, each year from 1995 to 2001, B-Pb was measured in 329 boys and 345 girls, aged 7-11 years. Results: The geometric mean (GM) of B-Pb was 21 (range 6-80) μg/l. There was no consistent change of B-Pb from 1995 to 2001. Children living near a lead smelter had raised B-Pb (GM 24 μg/l, range 11-80). Passive smoking, but not age and sex, influenced B-Pb significantly. Conclusions: B-Pb in Swedish children, no longer exposed to petrol lead, seems to have stabilised at an average level close to 20 μg/l (provided there is no nearby industrial lead emission).