[Significance of lead immission for pregnant women and neonates in the Ruhr area].

Systematic measurements of blood lead levels in samples from 176 mature and premature neonates and 59 mothers in the western Ruhr-Rhine area demonstrated that at least 30% of statistical variance in blood lead levels depended on lead immission at the mother's place of residence. The close correlation between neonatal and maternal blood lead levels was confirmed. Identical and non-identical twins had almost the same blood lead levels. Using a biological system for determining lead immission, blood lead levels in areas not covered by the present study can be prognosticated.