Foetal exposure to lead and related effects on newborns in two portuguese regions

Abstract

Subtoxic blood lead levels (BLL) during pregnancy can be responsible for intrauterine delays in foetal development and thus increased risk of morbi-mortality of newborns. Since there is no protective transplacental barrier to lead, foetal exposure is due to maternal environmental exposure together with either increased absorption or bone demineralization with consequent release of lead, or both, that may occur during pregnancy. In non-occupationally exposed women, lead exposure may be increased due to residing near lead sources, consumption of polluted food products, and habits such as alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking. The main purpose of this study was to provide Portuguese data on the extent and pattern of foetal exposure to lead as determined through lead biomonitoring in the blood of pregnant women. Investigation on maternal BLL determinants and potential effects of subtoxic BLL on premature delivery and on newborn's characteristics was also objective of this study.