[Trends in lead exposure in the work place and the environment]

In the last two decades, mainly because of the introduction of directives for reducing lead in gasoline, blood lead levels (PbB) in the general adult population decreased progressively to reach, at present, values ranging between 5 and 10 micrograms/100 ml. In the last decades, owing to technological and environmental improvements, the occupational exposure to lead dropped as well. At present, in industrial sectors in which Pb is largely utilised (accumulators and ceramics), mean PbE values range between 25 and 35 micrograms/100 ml. At present, the risk of increased lead absorption is higher for workers employed in specific activities (lead recovery, repairing of radiators, bronze and copper foundries) and in small factories in which environmental or preventive measures are inefficent. More attention must be paid to preventive measures in activities at higher risk, but also the current action level and limit in Italy (Decreto Legislativo 277/91), 35 micrograms/100 ml and 70 micrograms/100 ml, respectively, should be modified taking into account the changes in the working conditions. In addition, the reference levels for the general population set out in Directive 77/312/EEC appear to be too high and should be reviewed.