Correlation between maternal and cord blood lead levels

Abstract

Whole blood lead levels were estimated by atomic absorption analysis in 226 blood samples from 113 mothers of 23 different nationalities. Samples were collected before delivery, and from cord blood from their respective neonates. The concentrations of blood lead were within the expected range of occupationally unexposed populations. Mean maternal blood lead levels were 0.72 0.10 mumol/l (14.9 2.14 mug/dl), range 0.32-1.34 mumol/l (6.6-27.8 mug/dl) and mean cord blood levels were 0.64 0.12 mumol/l (range 0.29-1.46 mumol/l). Sixteen percent of the mothers and nearly 10% cord blood samples were found to have blood lead level greater than 0.97 mumol/l (20 mug/dl). Very high levels, in excess of 1.21 mumol/l (25 mug/dl), were detected in 3.5% of mothers as compared to 2.6% of cord blood samples. Out of 113 infants, 65 (58%) were males with a mean cord blood lead level of 0.63 mumol/l and 48 (42%) were females with a mean level of 0.66 muol/l. The lowest maternal blood lead levels 0.68 mumol/l were observed in ages 20 to 25 years old, and lowest cord blood levels 0.58 mumol/l were seen in maternal age of less than 20 years old. On the other hand, the highest maternal and cord blood lead levels (0.82 and 0.75 mumol/l, respectively) were observed in maternal ages of greater than 35 years old. The results show a direct correlation of blood lead level between mothers and umbilical cord as seen in the linear regression distribution curve.