Karimi, P.G.Modley, J.Jinabhai, C.C.Nriagu, J.2020-03-192020-03-191999https://infospace.mrc.ac.za/handle/11288/595232Background. Elevated blood lead levels during pregnancy can affect neurological development in the fetus 'and the child. The extent of this problem has not been well studied in ~ developing countries. ~ Aim. To assess maternal and fetal blood levels during pregnancy. Setting. The obstetric units of two hospitals in Durban serving disadvantaged communities. Results. Maternal and umbilical cord blood levels w~ analysed in 300 women at time of delivery. The me~' maternal blood lead level was 7.3 /lgl dl but 18.7% of the samples had values greater than 10 /lgl dI (the US Centers for Disease Control cut-off level for raised bloodlead level in children and pregnant women), The mean umbilical cord blood level was 6.3/lg1 dl and 12% had values greater than 10 IJg/dl. . Conclusion, This study indicates that there is a significant risk of maternal and fetal lead exposure in Durban and that public health measures to reduce.exposure are needed.enAttribution 3.0 United Stateshttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/ArticleSouth African Medical Journal.