Article: Lead exposure in Saudi Arabia and its relationship to smoking

Lead was determined in whole blood samples obtained from 202 Saudi male volunteers. The influence of smoking on lead exposure was investigated. Blood lead was significantly higher in current smokers than in non-smokers and previous smokers (P < 0.05). The distribution of blood lead data in the screened subjects suggested the existence of two mixed populations and a cut-off of 12 micrograms dl-1 was found where the two populations separate. Of the exposed population, 80% with blood lead concentrations above 12 micrograms dl-1 were smokers.

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Lead Exposure in Saudi Arabia and Its Relationship to Smoking