Blood lead concentrations and lead intake in children of different ethnic origin

Factors affecting blood lead concentrations in three groups of children of different ethnic origin have been investigated. Dietary lead intakes were similar for the three groups, the average lead intakes lay in the range 110-150 micrograms/week. Blood lead concentrations were not related to ethnic origin when the effect of other factors was allowed for. Children who washed their hands before eating had significantly lower blood lead concentrations than those who did not.