The need to update reference values for lead in Zaragoza, Spain

Stricter regulations and controls for environmental lead have resulted in significantly lower frequency and reduced severity of chronic and acute lead intoxication. The aim of the present study was to update established reference ranges for lead in whole blood of healthy adults residing in Zaragoza and its region in northeastern Spain. The mean blood level was 2.94 +/- 2.02 mu g/dl, with a median of 2.43 mu g/dl (n = 156). For women, the mean was 2.29 +/- 1.64 mu g/dl (n = 73) and for men 3.51 +/- 2.16 mu g/dl (n = 83). The difference between genders is statistically significant (p < 0.005). Our results confirm an ongoing decline in blood lead levels in the studied region, which in 1989 were found to average 13.17 +/- 3.47 mu g/dl. In addition, there is a clear need to take into account gender differences when defining normal ranges for lead.