Blood lead levels in pregnant women referring to midwifery clinic in a referral center in Tehran

Abstract

Background: Lead e?ects on children and pregnant women are grave, and screening tests would be logical to detect high blood lead levels (BLLs) in early stages. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were taken from the pregnant mothers who referred to midwifery clinic with further phone interview postdelivery. Results: In 100 patients evaluated, the mean age was 29 ± 5 years (median interquartile range gestational age of 33 [24, 37] weeks). Tere was a signifcant correlation between polluted residential area and median BLL (P = 0.044) and substance exposure (P = 0.02). Te median BLL was signifcantly lower in those without a history of lead toxicity in the family (P = 0.003). Te only factor that could predict the BLL levels lower than 3.2 and 5 µg/dL was living in the nonindustrial area. All pregnant women delivered full?term live babies. Conclusion: Positive history of lead toxicity in the family
and living in polluted areas may pose a higher BLL in pregnant women.