Maternal and umbilical cord blood lead levels in Ramathibodi Hospital, 1993.

A prospective cross-sectional study of maternal and umbilical cord blood lead levels was conducted in a total of 500 deliveries at Ramathibodi Hospital. The mean concentrations of lead in maternal and cord blood were 6.2 +/- 2.0, 1.6 +/- 0.5 microgram/dl respectively. There was direct relationship between maternal and umbilical cord blood lead level. Maternal occupation and length of stay in Bangkok were related to maternal blood lead levels. There was no association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal blood lead levels. A large scale study and periodic surveillance of blood lead levels in pregnancy is advocated.