Setting legislative norms for environmental lead exposure: results of an epidemiological survey in the east of Belgium.

Blood lead concentrations (Pb-B, microgram/100 ml) was measured in children and adults, both sexes, living in and around Liège (control group, n = 859) and in the urban center of Verviers (exposed group, n = 568) where houses with lead piping are supplied with corrosive drinking water. In control children, the mean Pb-B increases with age; in control adults the levels are higher than for children, but are independent of age (ranges: males 19.1 - 21.1; females 12.9 - 16.9). In exposed children aged 5-14 years, the mean Pb-B is higher than in young exposed adults: these children constitute thus a high risk group. In the exposed adults, the mean Pb-B rises also with age (ranges: male 24.2 - 33.5; females 19.4 - 32.3). Our epidemiological survey shows that the safety margin of the present EEC figures is acceptable for children exposed to the low and usual urban Pb concentrations.