Decreasing Blood Lead in Swedish Children, 1978–1988

Abstract

The geometric mean of the blood lead concentrations in 1 781 samples obtained from children during 1978 to 1988 was 46.9 μg/l (0.23 μmol/l) (range: 14–250 μg/l [0.07–1.2 μmol/l]). There was a significant (p < .001) decrease in blood lead concentrations of 7%/y in rural and urban areas. In 134 children who were sampled twice, the decrease over 2-y periods was 14%. The striking decrease in blood lead levels is most likely the result of a reduction of lead additives in motor fuel during this period.