Assessment has been carried out of blood lead levels in children in the district of Bydgoszcz. The aim of the study was 1. to estimate blood lead levels in children exposed to different degrees of environmental pollution, 2. to determine a correlation between between the blood lead level, age, sex and environment. The study included 486 children (246 girls and 240 boys) aged 3-15 years. Blood samples were obtained from the cubital vein. Whole blood lead levels were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrometry, a flameless technique according to Stopler and Brandt. The 1991 CDC classification was used to assess the determined blood lead levels. Statistically significant differences were found between lead levels in children living in the rural and small urban areas and those living in the centre of Bydgoszcz. The results of the study showed that: 1. the highest risk of lead poisoning was found in children living in the centre of Bydgoszcz and areas adjacent to its main streets (children from smaller urban areas were at a lower risk, and for those from the rural areas the risk was the lowest), 2. symptoms of lead poisoning may occur in over 12% of the children assessed due to increased blood lead levels, 3. it is crucial to undertake and support any preventive measures to reduce the risk of harmful effects of lead.

Keywords: blood lead levels, children, enviroment