Blood lead concentrations and associated factors in residents of Monterrey, Mexico

Data from interviews of 469 random subjects living in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico were analyzed to investigate factors associated with blood lead (PbB). The following criteria were considered: age, sex, residence zone, occupation, smoking, alcohol consumption, and the use of glazed pottery. Multiple linear regression analysis disclosed that PbB concentration was significantly higher in males, in residents of northeastern (NE) Monterrey, and in blue-collar workers. The highest atmospheric lead (PbA) concentrations of all Monterrey were also found in the NE, the zone that contains the greatest density of factories within the city. PbB and PbA means were significantly correlated (r = 0.964) with regard to the four urban zones considered. It is concluded that increased PbB level in specific categories is probably explained by exposure to PbA originating from industrial emissions.