[Evaluation of environmental lead exposure in Latium: 2d DPR 496/82 campaign]

In the Latium region, according to the regulations contained in the presidential decree DPR 496/82, the investigations of the second campaign--based on the measurement of blood lead levels (PbB)--have been carried out between 1992 and 1994. Three samples of subjects were examined: adult subjects (33 males and 628 females) living in Priverno, a small town in the South of the Latium region; adults subjects living in the Rome area (81 males and 168 females; subjects under the age of 15 (65 males and 54 females) living in the Rome area. Concerning Priverno, the median PbB was 70 micrograms/l in males and 40 micrograms/l in females; in Rome 66 micrograms/l and 42 micrograms/ l in males and females, respectively. In subjects under the age of 15, PbB levels were 40.5 micrograms/l and 35.5 micrograms/l in males and females, respectively. As for adults PbB levels were significantly higher in female than in male subjects and in subjects aged 41 years and over in comparison with subjects aged 15-40 years. PbB levels were significantly higher in wine drinkers in comparison with non-drinkers. The difference between smokers and non smokers was significant only in female subjects living in Rome. In multiple regression analysis the association of PbB with age, sex, alcohol consumption and smoking habit were confirmed, and a positive relation between PbB and the condition of being living in Rome. As for Rome, the comparison with the results of previous investigations shows a reduction between 50% and 60% of PbB during the 1985-1992 period.