Evaluation of Blood Lead Levels in Females Admitted to Karabük Training and Research Hospital

ABSTRACT Purpose: The objective of this study is to determine whether there is asymptomatic lead poisoning among women in Karabuk province, an industrialized region. Methods: 93 healthy female were enrolled in the retrospective study. The blood lead levels (BLLs) were measured using atomic absorption spectrometer and were categorised in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) threshold of 5 µg/dL for asymptomatic lead poisoning. Results: The mean age of the participants was 28.85 ± 0,67 years. The median BLL of participants was found 1,1 (0,25- 8,84) µg/dL. The BLLs were below 5 µg/dL in 98.9% of participants. Anemia was identified in 16.2% of the participants. It was not found a significant correlation between BLLs and hemoglobin level in participants. Conclusion: In the present study, asymptomatic lead poisoning was not detected among women. However, since Karabuk is an intensely industrialized region, not only women but also all individuals should be screened for possible asymptomatic lead poisoning.