Comparative studies of the biological indices of elevated exposure to lead in children and adults were conducted with the intention of reaching a better understanding of lead absorption in children. Three family groups were examined. Group 1 consisted of families who lived in the vicinity of a lead smelter and whose fathers were occupationally highly exposed to lead. Group 2 consisted of families settled in the same area, but whose fathers had no supplemental occupational exposure to lead. The third was the control group consisting of families who lived in an area with very low exposure and whose fathers were not occupationally exposed to lead. Families were selected with one child under 4 years and, if possible, another child of school age. In the environmental survey lead in air, dustfall, household-dust, and drinking-water were analyzed. Three biological parameters, erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic dehydratase activity, erythrocyte protoporphyrin, and blood lead were determined. On the basis of these parameters the following sequence of lead absorption was established in family members living in an area with elevated lead exposure: fathers > school-age children approximately equal to children up to 4 years > mothers. Children with fathers occupationally exposed to lead had a slight additional lead exposure in comparison with children whose fathers had no supplemental occupational exposure to lead. It was found that the population living near a lead smelter, except for the fathers occupationally exposed to lead, had biological findings at the level of a 'moderately elevated' exposure, while those occupationally exposed had 'excessive' exposure.

"EPA/600-1-78-067." "November 1978." On cover: Yugoslav Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb. "U.S. Department of Commerce. National Technical Information Service, PB-290 181." Includes bibliographical references (pages 122-125).