Determinants of blood lead concentrations of pregnant women living in Port Pirie and surrounding areas

Abstract

In the context of a wider prospective investigation into the effects of cumulative exposure to lead, in utero and postnatally, on the outcome of pregnancy and growth and development in early childhood, 831 pregnant women who were living in Port Pirie, South Australia, the site of Australia's largest lead smelter, were recruited between May 1979 and May 1982, and the various factors that were likely to influence their blood lead concentration were examined. No significant difference in blood lead level was found among different stages of pregnancy. Higher concentrations of blood lead were measured in women who resided in areas of high soil lead content and in women who had resided in Port Pirie for three or more years. A low socioeconomic status, the use of water from the reticulated water supply rather than rainwater, an age of 21 years or less, a high body mass index, a low dietary intake of calcium, and cigarette smoking were all factors that were associated with a higher blood lead concentration. Lower blood lead concentrations were observed in women who took iron and folic acid to supplement their diet. Multiple regression analysis of average antenatal blood lead levels confirmed most of the univariate associations.