Blood Lead Levels among Non-Occupationally Exposed Pregnant Women in Southern Thailand

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal that is toxic to humans, especially children and pregnant women. In Thailand, guidelines exist to minimize lead exposure in pregnant women working in lead-related occupations. However, no guidelines exist for pregnant women who are not employed in these economic sectors. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine blood lead levels (BLLs) and related risk factors among 80 non-occupationally exposed pregnant women from the general population living in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Southern Thailand. BLLs were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A validated questionnaire was adopted to interview participants which included demographic, consumer goods, supplement intake, and health factors. The mean BLL was 4.68 +/- 1.55 mu g/dL (95% CI 4.33-5.02) and 42.50% had BLLs >= 5 mu g/dL. Higher education was the only demographic factor associated with BLLs >= 5 mu g/dL (aOR 0.16, 95% CI 0.03-0.80, p = 0.027). Systolic blood pressure was also associated with BLLs >= 5 mu g/dL (aOR 5.00, 95% CI 1.23-17.16, p = 0.023). However, consumer goods and supplement intake were not associated with BLLs. Our results indicate that pregnant women from the general population who were not in the risk exposure group had lead in their bodies. Except for education, demographics were not associated with pregnant women with BLLs. However, with health factors, even low BLLs had a small effect on systolic blood pressure. These data suggest a need for promoting health education and health interventions to prevent the dangers of lead exposure, especially for pregnant women and children.

Automated summary

This cross-sectional study examined blood lead levels and related risk factors among non-occupationally exposed pregnant women from the general population in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Southern Thailand. The results showed that pregnant women who were not employed in lead-related occupations still had lead in their bodies. Education level was the only demographic factor associated with high blood lead levels, and systolic blood pressure was also found to be associated. These findings indicate the importance of health education and interventions to prevent lead exposure, especially for pregnant women and children.