[Dynamic study on blood and milk lead levels of pregnant women in three districts of Hubei].

In order to study the effect of lead exposure on the health during the period of pregnancy, 96 pregnant women and 105 non-pregnant women with no known occupational exposure to heavy metals from urban area(Wuhan), iron mining area(Daye) and rural area(Yidu) were selected. Blood and milk samples were collected under strict quality control and analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The general status of subjects were collected by a medical interviewer. The results showed that the blood lead in the non-pregnant women were higher in the urban area, but the blood lead in the pregnant women and the milk (colostrum and mature milk) lead were lower in the urban area. It is concluded that the risk of exposure to low concentration of lead during pregnancy must not be ignored.