Fuentes de plomo en embarazadas de la cuenca de México

Lead levels in samples of the groups at highest risk to the effects of lead exposure, pregnant women and their in­fants, are higher than levels known to produce develop­mental retardation in children in a considerable propor­tion of the sample tested in Mexico City. Modeling of prenatal factors predicting maternal lead during preg­nancy shows the strong effect of the use of low-tempera­ture ceramics on lead level. The data also suggests an important contribution from air lead. The downward trend in lead exposure in pregnant women in the Valley of Mexico over the last 10 years, concurrent with downward trends in air lead is encouraging. However, reducing the manufacture and use of leaded pottery could produce a significant further reduction of lead exposure with a modest program of public education, government regula­tion and subsidization of lead free pottery.