Trace element studies on Karachi populations. Part V: Blood lead levels in normal healthy adults and grammar school children
Manser, W.W.; Lalani, R.; Haider, S.; Khan, M.A.
Jpma. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 40(7): 150-154
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-9982 PMID: 1703243 Document Number: 359590
Blood lead levels of healthy Karachi population were estimated. Mean levels for males, females, soldiers and school children were 34.4, 31.8, 29.9 and 38.2 micrograms/dl respectively. About 93% cases of either sex had elevated lead levels, of whom 30% males and 10% females had levels above the safety limits (40 micrograms/dl). Soldiers living in relatively pollution free area though had levels lower than the rest of the population but 91% had levels over 25 micrograms/dl and only two had acceptable levels. Ninety-two percent children showed levels above 25 micrograms/dl with a large number having levels over 40 micrograms/dl. A very small percentage had normal levels. Pollution by traffic exhaust was assumed to be the principal cause for these high levels.