Biological monitoring of lead effects in a smelter community before and after emission control.

Biological monitoring of lead effects in specific population groups living in the vicinity of a lead smelter has been followed up after effective emission control, in order to estimate the length of time necessary before the characteristic indicators of increased lead absorption normalize. The period established could be a realistic basis for predicting the time necessary to elapse before a lead contaminated area can be proclaimed as safe for normal living. Three groups of subjects were examined: preschool children, school children and mothers.