The influence of sociodemographic factors on blood lead levels in healthy adults living in Belgrade, Serbia.

Lead is a highly recognised toxic metal. Long-term exposure to low Pb levels in the environment could induce adverse effects (developmental, neurological, cardiovascular, endocrine). Some developing countries, such as Serbia, has not identify the possible sociodemographic factors that could increase blood lead levels (BLL), yet. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of sociodemographic factors (gender, age, origin, smoking, sport activity, education, economy status, high traffic vicinity to the residence, and drinking habits) on BLL of voluntary blood donors, living in Belgrade, Serbia. The study included 984 participants. Blood samples were analysed using ICP-MS. The log-transformed BLL had a normal distribution. Geometric mean (18.6 µg/L, 95 %CI 17.8-19.4 µg/L) was similar with values obtained in some EU countries. However, 15.9 % of all participants had BLL levels higher than US CDC recommended threshold for BLL for adults (35 µg/L). Gender, age, smoking, and alcohol consumption were the significant factors that contributed almost 15 % to the BLL. Groups with the highest BLL were men, the eldest, active smokers, and the frequently alcohol drinkers. Education and economy status were observed as moderate to significant indirect factors via smoking, sport and residential environment. This study offers the first observation on the influence of a combination of socioeconomic and demographic factors on BLL in adults living in urban areas of Serbia, confirms and complements previous findings worldwide, and expands the knowledge on BLL in developing countries. Understanding the impact of various sociodemographic factors is necessary to reduce lead exposure of general population.