Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood Lead Levels: An Istanbul Study

Abstract

Abstract Current mean lead concentrations in umbilical cords and in maternal blood in Istanbul were 1.69 ± 0.91 (standard deviation) μg/dl and 2.37 ± 0.89 μg/dl, respectively. These levels were much lower than values reported in previous years. Umbilical cord blood lead levels, which correlated significantly with mothers' blood lead levels, were approximately 70% of the latter. The drastic decrease in blood lead levels likely reflects the reduction in use of tetraalkyl lead in gasoline subsequent to 1989.