EFFECT OF THE REDUCTION OF PETROL LEAD ON THE BLOOD LEAD LEVELS OF SOUTH AFRICANS

Lead has no metabolic role in the human body and its presence is associated with various toxic effects. Several countries have responded to this health hazard reducing petrol lead additives or entirely eliminating them. Studies have shown that there has been a resultant fall in blood lead levels of the particular populations. This study reports on the progressive decline in blood lead levels of South Africans during the period 1984-1990 which coincided with a stepwise reduction in petrol lead additives from 0.8 g/l to 0.4 g/l. During this period the blood lead levels of Cape Town city dwellers decreased significantly (P < 0.01) from 9.7 mug/dl to 7.2 mug/dl. This blood lead level compares favourably with that of other more industrialized countries with less lead in their petrol. Therefore, the authors question the need for further reduction of petrol lead content bearing in mind the considerable financial burden that such a step will entail and the dubious health advantage that may be gained.