Blood lead reference values: the results of an Italian polycentric study

This paper presents the results of a polycentric study carried out in seven different areas, organized by the Italian Society of Reference Values ŽSIVR. for assessing reference values of lead in blood ŽB-Pb. at the current doses of the metal to general population. The estimated arithmetic mean for B-Pb in males was of 45.1 g l and 30.6 g l in females; the 95th centile was 100 and 60 for males and females, respectively. The main variables influencing B-Pb levels were gender, age, BMI, outside sport practice, alcohol consumption and smoking habits, while the geographic area and the urban residence did not affect the metal concentration in blood.