Exposure to lead of the Belgian population

Abstract

According to the Council Directive of 29 March 1977 on biological screening of the population for lead, the blood-lead levels (PbB) were determined in samples of the Belgian population not occupationally exposed to this metal. Two campaigns of sampling were performed: the first one in 1979 (1678 samples analysed) and the second in 1981 (1000 samples analysed). Sampling was done in urban and industrial zones, as well as in areas where lead risk could be present. Concerning the urban and industrial areas, the results obtained seem to indicate that a particular lead risk does not exist for the adult population if we consider the reference levels of the CEE Directive. Moreover, the results of the second campaign of sampling showed a decreasing trend: the median PbB values dropped from 183 to 156 micrograms/l in Brussels and from 192 to 139 micrograms/l in Liège. This could be partly due to the limitation of the lead content of gazoline. On the other hand, the results of the surveys clearly demonstrated the existence of two areas where an obvious lead risk exists. In one of those, the lead risk is of industrial origin (lead smelter) and concerns mainly children: median PbB value 260 micrograms/l, percentile 90 and 98 respectively 390 and 430 micrograms/l. In the other one, the lead risk is from a hydric source and concerns adults and children: median PbB value 258 micrograms/l, percentile 90 and 98 respectively 370 and 520 micrograms/l.