Umwelt- und analytische Toxikologie

Lead (Pb) is recognized as one of the most toxic metals and causes acute and chronic disease. Human bio monitoring is an important tool for the evaluation of environmental exposure to contaminants. The aim of the present study was to determine blood lead level among Kinshasa’s adults and the association between blood levels and some lifestyle factors. The total analytical sample size consisted of 190 adults aged from 20 to 72 years old (113 males and 77 females). The mean blood level was higher in males (103.38 ± 41.12 μg/L) compared to females (76.70 ± 34.70 μg/L) but not statistically significant difference were observed (p>0.05). Forty one percent of adults presented blood lead levels above 100 μg/L. Occupations with a potential risk of exposure to lead presented arithmetic’s blood lead levels above 100 μg/L: Car mechanics (122.52 ± 40.46), Petroleum sellers (106.00 ± 56.26), Painters (138.22 ± 60.43), Car drivers (130.02 ± 42.42) and Welders (112.40 ± 6.97). Results of the present study showed that blood lead levels were not significantly associated with the distance of their homes from road traffic, drinking alcohol, using lead pots and smoking cigarettes.