Hair lead concentration in the Lebanese population: phase 1 results

Phase 1 of this cross-sectional study aimed to compare hair lead concentrations and establish the determinants of hair lead levels in 149 occupationally exposed individuals versus 177 non-occupationally exposed controls in the Lebanese population. In addition to a standardized questionnaire, lead concentration was measured by atomic spectrophotometry. A 5-6-fold difference in hair lead concentration was found between occupationally exposed and non-exposed individuals (23.60 ppm versus 4.33 ppm). Professional exposure, particularly working in petrol refining and gasoline stations, had the highest correlation with lead exposure. In non-exposed individuals, male sex, non-Lebanese nationality and urban worksite correlated with higher hair lead concentration.