Determinants of elevated blood lead levels among working men in Greater Beirut.

This cross-sectional study reports the blood lead levels (BLL) among different working groups in Beirut and identifies the risk factors associated with elevated BLLs. A total of 579 men of 18 years of age or older (response rate 96%) working in Greater Beirut were interviewed. Of those, 315 (54.4%) provided a blood sample of which 291 were analyzed for lead. The mean BLL of the 134 men working in white-collar jobs (offices, retail shops) was 12.7 microg/dl (SD 3.7); statistically significantly lower than the mean BLL (18.4 microg/dl; SD 9.8) of the 157 men working in blue-collar occupations (such as gas station attendants, painters, mechanics). A blood lead level of 15 microg/dl or more was associated with blue-collar jobs, number of cigarettes smoked, commuting > or = 3 km to work, years in current occupation, and younger age. A BLL of at least 20 microg/dl was associated with eating lunch at work, in addition to blue-collar jobs, smoking, commuting, years of work, and younger age. The study findings suggest that environmental exposure (those not otherwise exposed to occupational lead) is mainly determined by smoking and exposure to leaded gasoline (commuting). Occupational exposure to lead is prevalent among a wide spectrum of Lebanese workers. Physicians are called upon to inquire more about the potential for lead exposure, especially among blue-collar workers. A policy action to improve working conditions and to phase out the use of leaded gasoline is recommended.