[Blood lead level in Switzerland in 1985: results of the MONICA survey]

New federal regulations regarding air pollution will soon impose catalysator equipped cars and unleaded fuel. In order to evaluate whether these measures affect the blood lead content in the Swiss population, there will be lead measurements in all three MONICA sample surveys. In the first survey, based on representative population samples, blood lead level was measured in the cantons of Vaud and Fribourg. Results based on 1774 lead measurements indicate a mean blood lead level significantly higher for males than females: 0.63 and 0.44 micromol/l. Work condition as measured by socio-professional category is only related to blood lead among males, while the living environment (community size) is only associated with female blood lead levels. Workers in agriculture and inhabitants of small communes have the lowest blood lead level. In addition, alcohol and tobacco consumption show a strong direct association with blood lead levels and are the two most important potentially confounding factors regarding the relation between blood lead levels and environmental lead pollution.