HEALTH RISK-FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAD EXPOSURE IN THE KVEMO KARTLI REGION OF GEORGIA.

Although the MICS study conducted in the country five years ago showed a significant reduction (by two times or more) in the high average biomonitoring results recorded in children, our study still revealed certain low, yet credible, health risks in populations living 'near production/mining' sites and 'potentially living on ore,' according to some nosological classes. The biomonitoring results also recorded isolated cases of relatively high BLLs, particularly in the exposed groups compared to the control group. Based on these findings, we conclude that the measures implemented over the past five years have yielded positive results, significantly reducing lead concentrations in humans. However, certain low but credible health risks persist in the presumably exposed areas. These results can serve as a baseline for future research, and periodic monitoring will help track the progress towards further improvement in the region.