Blood lead levels in North XXXX .

@entity1 @entity4933 @entity3457 @entity19444
1. Blood lead levels were examined in 127 housepainters in North Carolina between April and September, 1993. Each @entity1 filled out a questionnaire and gave a blood sample. The questionnaire covered the individual's work history, concentrating on @entity3457 and personal protection, and also covered potential nonoccupational sources of lead exposure. Blood samples were analysed for lead content using atomic absorption spectroscopy. 2. The geometric mean blood lead level was 0.33 mumol @entity19444 (6.8 micrograms @entity19444 ). No blood lead samples were found to exceed the occupational standard of 1.93 mumol @entity19444 (40 micrograms @entity19444 ). The three highest samples had levels between 0.97 and 1.45 mumol @entity19444 (20 and 30 micrograms @entity19444 ); this represented 2.4% of the study sample. 3. No statistical association was found between blood lead levels in these painters and their painting activities, including using dust masks for personal protection. 4. Current painting practices in this group of North @entity4933 do not appear to elevate blood lead levels above the occupational standard.
