Blood lead level

Blood lead level (BLL), is a measure of lead in the body. It is measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (μg/dL); 10 µg/dL is equivalent to 0.48 micromoles per liter (µmol/L).

Additional recommended knowledge

Don't let static charges disrupt your weighing accuracy

How to ensure accurate weighing results every day?

Weighing the right way

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that a BLL of 10 μg/dL or above is a cause for concern. However, lead can impair development even at BLLs below 10 μg/dL.

In Australia, the acceptable level of lead in blood was lowered from 25 µg/dL to 10 µg/dL in 1992. In 1993 the National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) set a national target for 1998 for all Australian to have a BLL less than 15 µg/dL (except where they worked with lead), and strategies were put in place whereby 90% of pre-school children would have BLL below 15 µg/dL. In 1996 National Blood Lead Survey (the Donovan Survey) found 7.7% of children aged one to four were above 10 µg/dL, and 1.7% were above 15 µg/dL.

See also

• Lead poisoning
• Acceptable daily intake