An investigation of blood lead content and atmospheric lead levels in Bangkok

Experiments were conducted during a 5 mo period (September 1975 to January 1976) to determine the Pb concentrations in Bangkok streets and blood Pb levels of Bangkok's population. A total of 185 air samples and 222 blood samples was collected and analyzed. Street Pb levels are in the range of 6.16 to 22.48 μg m^?3 and blood Pb levels are in the range of 1 to 34 μg (100 g)^?1 of whole blood, with an average value of 12.3 μg (100 g)P^?1. The effects of various parameters on air and blood Pb levels are discussed in this paper. Air Pb levels are found to be closely related to traffic volume and proximity to the roads. Blood Pb levels are found to increase progressively with age, reaching a saturation value at about 40 yr of age. The average time spent daily on roads by the people and the distance of their residence/workplace from the main road are found to be major parameters, affecting the blood Pb levels. There is no evidence to show that blood and air Pb levels are directly related, at the present ambient exposure levels.