Abstract
It has been proved that exposure to lead may cause untoward effects even in occupationally unexposed population. A systematic monitoring of lead blood levels in the Czech adult and child population was therefore incorporated into the spectrum of biomarkers following the exposure and load of Czech population to toxic substances from environment within the framework of the Monitoring System of General Health State of the population in the Czech Republic Related to Environment implemented since 1994.
In the period of 1994 - 2003, blood samples were obtained from the urban adult (blood donors) and child population (8-10 years of age) in Benešov, Žďár n. S., Plzeň and Ústí n.
L., since 2005 also in Ostrava, Prague, Liberec, Kroměříž and Uherské Hradištì, 100 samples each, annually. Lead was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with electro-thermal atomization (ETAAS).
Adult blood levels proved to be higher in men than in women and displayed a decreasing trend with time with the median level of 33ug/l in men and 24ug/l in women for 2007. The median levels of children in 2007 were also higher in boys than in girls.
Reference levels for the period of 2001-2003 were 80 ug/l for men, 65 ug/l for women and 55 ug/l in children. The obtained blood levels in adult and child population did not reach biologically significant values, i.e. 150 ug/l for men and 100 ug/l for children and women at the reproduction age.
The results represent basic data for prospective studies of occupational and nonprofessional lead load and reflect established preventive measures.