Cypress: a new plague for the Rhône-Alpes region?

Today the Cupressaceae are seen as one of the most allergenic plant families in the mediterranean region. A comparative study of Cupressaceae pollen concentration as sampled in Lyon-Bron (temperate region) and in Montpellier (mediterranean region) has been conducted. During the last 20 years, this family of plant has increasingly been represented in the pollinic spectra. In Montpellier the annual mean pollen concentration went from 43 pollen grains m3 of air at the beginning of the eighties to 72 pollen grains at the beginning of the years 2000. In Lyon, the progression is above 200% but with lesser annual mean pollen concentrations: 4.5 pollen grains m3 of air at the beginning of the eighties to 13.7 pollen grains at the beginning of the years 2000. The annual mean pollen concentration in the Lyon region still modest compared to the mediterranean stations, shows a steep increase though, that should be taken care of.     

Effect of airborne allergens on emergency visits by children for conjunctivitis and rhinitis

The effect of fungal spores and pollen grains on morbidity from childhood conjunctivitis and rhinitis is mostly unknown. We therefore studied the association between daily concentrations of these airborne allergens and daily emergency visits to a children hospital between 1993 and 1997. An increase of 551 basidiomycetes spores per m(3), or of 72 ragweed grains per m(3), was associated with an increase of about 10% in visits for conjunctivitis and rhinitis (p<0.01). Our results suggest that conjunctivitis and rhinitis could be caused by fungal spores and pollens in the air.     

First annual register of allergenic pollen in Talca,Chile

BackgroundThere are no data on atmospheric pollen in Talca. In the present work, our aim is to describe the amount of pollen grain in the atmosphere of the city of Talca likely to cause pollinosis of its inhabitants.MethodsA volumetric Hirst sampler (Burkard seven-day recording device) was used to study pollen levels. It was placed in the centre of Talca from May 2007 to April 2008.ResultsThe highest airborne presence of pollen, as measured in weekly averages, was Platanus acerifolia with a maximum weekly daily average of 203 grains/m³ registered during September and October. The second highest was Acer pseudoplatanus with a maximum weekly daily average of 116 grains/m³. Populus spp. had a maximum weekly daily average 103 grains/m³. Olea europaea reached 19 grains/m³ in November. Grasses presented high levels of pollen counts with a maximum weekly daily average of 27 grains/m³ from the end of August until the end of January. Pollens of Plantago spp. Rumex acetosella and Chenopodium spp. had a similar distribution and were present from October to April with maximum weekly daily average of 7 grains/m³, 7 grains/m³ and 3 grains/m³ respectively. Significant concentrations of Ambrosia artemisiifolia were detected from February until April.ConclusionThe population of Talca was exposed to high concentrations of allergenic pollen, such as P. acerifolia, A. pseudoplatanus, and grasses in the months of August through November. The detection of O. europaea and A. artemisiifolia is important as these are emergent pollens in the city of Talca. Aerobiological monitoring will provide the community with reliable information about the level of allergenic pollens, improving treatment and quality of life of patients with respiratory allergy.     

Correlation between Chenopodiacea/Amaranthacea pollen counts and allergic symptoms in Salsola kali monosensitized patients.

We performed a prospective observational study to establish a relationship between pollen counts of Chenopodiacea/Amaranthacea and clinical symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma in a group of monosensitised patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients (19 with asthma) were included in the study. All patients collected daily symptom scores during the summer months of 1999, 2000 and 2001. The questionnaire included ocular, nasal and pulmonary symptoms. Pollen counts were expressed as pollen grains/m3. Symptom scores and pollen counts were correlated using correlation coefficients and Log transformed variables. RESULTS: In the 3 seasons studied we identified a peak of pollen and clinical symptoms in the second half of August and first half of September. In 1999, there was a significant positive correlation between total symptoms and daily pollen grains/m3 (p<0.005, r = 0.347). This correlation was not significant for the summers of 2000 and 2001. After further analysis, and by displacing one of both variables between 11 to 17 days, the correlation coefficients for total symptoms, improved for 1999 (r = 0. 744; p < 0.0001) and became significant for 2000 (r = 0. 521; p < 0.0001) and 2001 (r = 0.635; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: We identified a significant time lag between pollen counts and symptom scores in S. kali monosensitized patients.     

Pollen calendar of Seville and its relation to allergies.

We have carried out a study on the annual and weekly variation of airborne pollen in the air of Seville (Andalusia, Southern Spain) during 3 consecutive years using two Cour's collectors. We provide the pollen calendar of this city, which shows the annual distribution of the most important pollen types. Our results led us to check the validity of the pollen extracts usually used at the hospitals of the city to diagnose pollinosis.     

Behavior of Platanus hispanica pollen, an important spring aeroallergen in northwestern Spain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Platanus hispanica trees are considered an important source of airborne pollen allergens in many cities of Western Europe. As the prevalence of sensitization to this species is 8% to 9% in northwestern Spain, our objective was to propose models predicting both the onset of the pollen season and the mean daily pollen concentrations. METHODS: Airborne P. hispanica pollen was monitored from 1993 through 2002 with 2 Hirst volumetric spore traps in Ourense and Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain.The pollination start dates were determined and the data were fitted to predictive regression models, which were tested for the year 2002. RESULTS: P. hispanica pollen is present in the atmosphere from March to April. The main pollination period is short with a mean duration of around 40 days. The mean maximum daily concentrations exceeded 100 pollen grains/m(3). As temperature is the parameter that most influences atmospheric pollen levels, this variable was chosen as the basis for models predicting both the onset of the pollen season and daily pollen concentrations. The predicted onset date was a few days later than the real start date in 2002. However, the model gave an accurate prediction of the mean daily pollen concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The mean daily concentrations of P. hispanica pollen are high, and given the allergenic potential of this species, it should be taken into account as one of the most important local spring allergens. The weather-related models proposed help us to predict P. hispanica pollen concentrations in the atmosphere.     

Airborne plane-tree (Platanus hispanica) pollen distribution in the city of Córdoba, South-western Spain, and possible implications on pollen allergy.

Plane-trees are widely grown in Spain as ornaments. This taxon releases large amounts of pollen into the air and this pollen type seems to have proved implications on pollinosis. The aim of this study was to analyse airborne Platanus pollen content in the air of C6rdoba (South-western Spain) over the last 10 years, and its distribution in different areas of the city, as well as to consider possible implications regarding pollen allergies. Results revealed that Platanus pollen concentrations have been at their highest over the last 5 years. Within the city, the lowest pollen concentrations were in Northern areas of the city. Nevertheless, concentrations high enough to be of risk are reached over the whole city. All the patients studied presented symptoms during the Platanus pollen season. We can therefore conclude that plane pollen presents a risk for the whole city although symptoms are more intense and persistent in districts with a higher number of plane-trees. Platanus allergy is a particular problem for city-dwellers, where these trees are commonly used as ornamentals.     

北京城区空气中花粉分析

目的探讨北京城区空气中花粉的种类、含量及逐月分布规律。方法采用重力沉降法的叶氏定点取样器，于1983—1986年及1999～2007年。对北京城区进行每日空气曝片花粉监测。结果1983。1986年空气曝片中花粉的种类分别属于34科35属2种，1999—2007年空气曝片中花粉的种类分别属于35科41属3种；其中云杉属的花粉颗粒最大（150μm×100μm），构属的花粉颗粒最小（13—15μm）。两个阶段20年间花粉含量月分布情况变化很大，1983—1986年峰值以8—9月份为最高，3～4月份为次高；1999—2007年以4月份为最高。8～9月份为次高。结论北京城区空气中常见的、含量高的花粉有10余种。蒿属花粉每年持续时间最长，含量最高；蓓草属花粉其次。近10年蓓草属花粉有增高的趋势．白蜡树及银杏树花粉大幅度增多。     

Aerobiological investigation and in vitro studies of pollen grains from 2 dominant avenue trees in Kolkata, India.

BACKGROUND: Peltophorum pterocarpum and Delonix regia are dominant avenue trees in the city of Kolkata in India. They are well adapted to the humid tropical climate and also grow commonly in different parts of the country. Their pollen grains are reported to be airborne. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct an aerobiological survey in Kolkata to determine the concentration and seasonal periodicity of pollen grains from P pterocarpum and D regia and to analyze the meteorological factors responsible for their levels in the atmosphere. In addition, we analyzed the prevalence of sensitization due to these grains among patients with seasonal respiratory allergy. METHODS: An aerobiological survey was conducted with a volumetric Burkard sampler from 2004 to 2006. Correlations between meteorological parameters and pollen grain concentrations were assessed by Spearman correlation test. The protein profile of the pollen extracts was studied by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Finally, the allergenic potential of the pollen extracts was evaluated in patients with respiratory allergy by skin prick test, immunoglobulin (Ig) E enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and IgE immunoblotting. RESULTS: P pterocarpum and D regia pollen grains occur from March to June and April to July, respectively. The pollen concentrations showed statistically significant positive correlations with maximum temperature and wind speed. Positive reactions to P pterocarpum and D regia were observed in 26% and 22% of the patients, respectively. Many protein bands were detected in the pollen extracts over a wide molecular weight range. A total of 5 (P pterocarpum pollen) and 8 (D regia pollen) protein fractions were detected by IgE immunoblotting. CONCLUSION: P pterocarpum and D regia pollen grains are dominant in the atmosphere of south Kolkata and they are influenced by temperature. The pollen grains release proteins that may be responsible for immediate hypersensitivity reactions in sensitive patients.     

Short-term effects of ambient air pollutants on asthma-related emergency department visits in Indianapolis,Indiana, 2007–2011

Objective: We estimate the short-term associations between daily changes in ambient air pollutants and daily asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits in Indianapolis, IN. Methods: We identified asthma-related ED visits among Indianapolis residents aged ≥5 years. We used Poisson regression in a time-series framework to estimate the increased risk for asthma-related ED visits from exposure to ambient SO₂, PM_2.5 and ozone during the warm season (April–September) and SO₂ and PM_2.5 during the cold (October–March) season, from 2007 to 2011. Our models controlled for measured confounders, including weather and respiratory infections, as well as unmeasured confounders using a natural cubic spline to account for long-term seasonal trends. Results: During 2007–2011 in Indianapolis, 165?056 asthma-related ED visits occurred. We found statistically significant positive associations (p?<?0.05) between ambient air pollutants and ED visits during the warm season for persons aged 5–44 years. Interquartile range increases in daily ozone concentrations with same day, 2-day lagged, and 3-day moving average were associated with increased risks for ED visits of 3.2% (95% CI: 0.2%, 6.3%), 4.4% (0.1%, 8.9%) and 4.8% (0.2%, 9.6%), respectively. Interquartile range increases in 3-day moving averages for SO₂ were associated with an increased risk of 3.3% (95% CI: 0.2%, 6.5%). We identified statistically significant associations (p?<?0.05) between increased SO₂ and PM_2.5 levels and decreased ED visits among some age groups, primarily during the cold season, and no significant positive associations between changes in PM_2.5 concentration and asthma-related ED visits. Conclusions: During the warm season, increases in ozone and SO₂ concentrations were associated with increased asthma morbidity in children and young adults in Indianapolis. These results will enable reliable estimation of the health impacts of increases in these pollutants on asthma-related ED visits in Indianapolis and similar communities.     

Assessing the impact of Cry1Ab-expressing corn pollen on monarch butterfly larvae in field studies

Survival and growth of monarch larvae, Danaus plexippus (L.), after exposure to either Cry1Ab-expressing pollen from three Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn (Zea mays L.) events differing in toxin expression or to the insecticide, lambda-cyhalothrin, were examined in field studies. First instars exposed to low doses ( approximately 22 grains per cm(2)) of event-176 pollen gained 18% less weight than those exposed to Bt11 or Mon810 pollen after a 5-day exposure period. Larvae exposed to 67 pollen grains per cm(2) on milkweed leaves from within an event-176 field exhibited 60% lower survivorship and 42% less weight gain compared with those exposed to leaves from outside the field. In contrast, Bt11 pollen had no effect on growth to adulthood or survival of first or third instars exposed for 5 days to approximately 55 and 97 pollen grains per cm(2), respectively. Similarly, no differences in larval survivorship were observed after a 4-day exposure period to leaves with 504-586 (within fields) or 18-22 (outside the field) pollen grains per cm(2) collected from Bt11 and non-Bt sweet-corn fields. However, survivorship and weight gain were drastically reduced in non-Bt fields treated with lambda-cyhalothrin. The effects of Bt11 and Mon810 pollen on the survivorship of larvae feeding 14 to 22 days on milkweeds in fields were negligible. Further studies should examine the lifetime and reproductive impact of Bt11 and Mon810 pollen on monarchs after long-term exposure to naturally deposited pollen.     

Characteristics of pollinosis caused by Betula in patients from Ourense (Galicia, Spain).

A retrospective study was performed to describe the features of the pollinosis caused by Betula in the area of Ourense, Spain. The pollen count was carried out with a Lanzoni volumetric Hirts spore trap (1993-2000). The Betula pollen represented 5% over the annual total (annual mean quantity: 965 grains). It was present in the air from March to mid-May. The highest peaks took place in April (maximum values mean: 131 grains/m3). The medical records of 222 patients (mean age 25.66 years) diagnosed with pollinosis (1998-2000), who lived at less than 30 km. from the spore trap, were reviewed. In all of them, the skin-prick test (SPT) was carried out with pollen allergens. The percentages of positive SPT were: Lolium perenne, 91.89% (16.6% monosensitized); Plantago lanceolata, 71.17% (1.26% monosensitized); Betula alba, 41.89% (10.75% monosensitized); Platanus hybrida, 34.95%; Olea europea, 10.36%; and Parietaria judaica, 6.3%. The mean age of Betula monosensitized patients was 44.7 years. The majority of them had symptoms in March-April, 40% had asthma symptoms, 80% had lived in Central Europe, and 30% of them presented an oral allergy syndrome to fruits. There were 41.93% of the patients with positive SPT to Betula pollen who had asthma symptoms, in comparison with 23.25% of the patients with negative SPT to Betula (p = 0.0034). There were 20.28% of the patients with positive SPT to Betula pollen, who had lived in Central Europe, in comparison with 4.27% of the patients with negative SPT to Betula, p: 0.00049. The relative risk of sensitization was 2.05. CONCLUSIONS: Betula pollen was the second cause of clinical pollinosis in our patients, after grass, being responsible of the symptoms in the early spring, in a small number of the patients in their forties. The presence of asthma was higher in Betula sensitized patients, and the residence in Central Europe was a sensitization risk factor.     

原市30年间2次气传花粉调查结果对比

目的调查研究太原市中心常见气传花粉的种类、含量、花粉飘散消长规律及分布特点。方法采用叶氏重力沉降法调查该地区2008年7月1日至2009年6月30日空气中花粉的种类和含量;将其调查结果与1977-1978年度花粉调查数据进行统计对比分析。结果本次调查共收集该地区空气中飘散花粉17192粒,全年气传花粉出现2次飘散高峰期,分别在3、4、5月份和8、9月份,新增气传花粉12种;收集到有害入侵植物豚草花粉。1977-1978调查年度空气中5种致敏花粉含量较高,占全年花粉总量的76.72%;2008-2009调查年度4种致敏花粉含量较高,占全年花粉总量的73.33%,蒿属花粉为优势气传致敏花粉（38.37%）。杨属、柳属花粉全年百分比含量较30年前明显降低。结论气候变暖可能是本次调查春季气传花粉高峰出现早、持续时间长的主要原因。外来入侵有害物种豚草花粉不容忽视。     

Associations of daily pediatric asthma emergency department visits with air pollution in Newark,NJ: utilizing time-series and case-crossover study designs

Objective: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children. This study assesses the associations of ozone and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) with pediatric emergency department visits in the urban environment of Newark, NJ. Two study designs were utilized and evaluated for usability. Methods: We obtained daily emergency department visits among children aged 3–17 years with a primary diagnosis of asthma during April to September for 2004–2007. Both a time-stratified case-crossover study design with bi-directional control sampling and a time-series study design were utilized. Lagged effects (1-d through 5-d lag, 3-d average, and 5-d average) of ozone and PM_2.5 were explored and a dose–response analysis comparing the bottom 5th percentile of 3-d average lag ozone with each 5 percentile increase was performed. Results: Associations of interquartile range increase in same-day ozone were similar between the time-series and case-crossover study designs (RR?=?1.08, 95% CI 1.04–1.12) and (OR?=?1.10, 95% CI 1.06–1.14), respectively. Similar associations were seen for 1-day lag and 3-day average lag ozone levels. PM_2.5 was not associated with the outcome in either study design. Dose–response assessment indicated a statistically significant and increasing association around 50–55 ppb consistent for both study designs. Conclusions: Ozone was statistically positively associated with pediatric asthma ED visits in Newark, NJ. Our results were generally comparable across the time-series and case-crossover study designs, indicating both are useful to assess local air pollution impacts.     

Influence of ambient fungal spores on emergency visits for asthma to a regional children's hospital

The impact of ambient aeroallergens on morbidity from childhood asthma is largely unknown. To address this issue, we studied the association between daily emergency department visits for asthma to a children's hospital, and daily concentrations of both pollen grains and fungal spores during a 5-yr period between 1993 and 1997. Air pollution and meteorological data accounted for in the analyses included ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, sulfates, temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity. The daily number of asthma visits ranged from 0 to 36 per day with an average of 7.5. Fungal spores, but not pollen grains, were associated with visits (p < 0.05). The percentage increase associated with each group, independent of the others, was 1.9% (SE 0.9) for deuteromycetes, 4.1% (1.6) for basidiomycetes, 2.8% (1.0) for ascomycetes, and 8.8% for these spores combined. In summary, fungal spores account for a significant proportion of the asthma exacerbations in children that prompt an emergency department visit.     

四川省成都市城区气传花粉监测

目的探索四川省成都市城区气传花粉的种类、数量及飘散规律。方法应用重力沉降法于2018年3月1日至2019年2月28日在四川省成都市城区进行为期1年的连续每日气传花粉曝片。结果共收集到花粉139520粒/1000 mm 2,能鉴定的花粉总计隶属36科、31属、2个种。其中构属花粉含量最高,达81754粒/1000 mm 2,占全年花粉总量的58.60%,其播粉期为3~4月,高峰期为3月下半月至4月上半月;其次是柏科花粉,达27518粒/1000 mm 2,占全年花粉总量的19.72%,其播粉期为1~3月,高峰期为1月下旬至3月上旬;大麻/葎草属占第三位,花粉含量5112粒/1000 mm 2,占全年花粉总量的3.66%,其播粉期为8~10月,高峰期为8月下旬至10月下旬。上述3种花粉为本地区优势气传花粉,合计占全年花粉总量的81.98%。含量超过1%的花粉还依次包括银杏、桦木属、松属、悬铃木属、枫杨属及蒿属花粉。全年花粉含量月分布呈现2个高峰,第一高峰为1~5月,主要气传花粉为构属、柏科、银杏、桦木属、松属、悬铃木属、枫杨属等树木花粉,占全年花粉总量的89.38%。第二高峰为8~10月,主要气传花粉为大麻/葎草属、蒿属等莠草花粉,占全年花粉总量的5.04%。结论本地区花粉季节有两个:春季为主要花粉季节,主要气传花粉为构属、柏科等树木花粉;夏秋季为次要花粉季节,主要花粉气传为大麻/葎草属、蒿属等莠草花粉。构属、柏科、大麻/葎草属花粉为本地区优势气传花粉,构属花粉为本地区绝对优势气传花粉。     

Atmospheric pollen in the area of Athens

In this paper the results of an investigation on the pollen grains in the atmosphere of Athens, Greece, are presented. The work was carried out between June 1973 and August 1974. A gravity sampler, of the Durham type, was placed on the roof of King Paul Athens General Hospital. Slides covered with vaseline were exposed to the air for 24 h every day during the above-mentioned period. After staining , the pollen on each slide was counted in an area of 1.375 cm2 under a light microscope. The results obtained gave an indication of the approximate pollination period for each plant taxon and also the degree of pollen concentration over a particular area in Athens. Twenty-two types of pollen were found. Those that predominated are from Olea europaea (olive tree), Pinus Urticaceae, Plantago (plantains), Chenopodium (goose-foot), Rumex (docks), Eucalyptus and two as yet non-determined types. Most of them are found in the air duing the period March-July.     

宁波市气传花粉研究

目的明确宁波市城区全年气传花粉种类和数量及其分布特征。方法应用重力沉降法对宁波市城区2012年1月至12月气传花粉进行调查。4个重力花粉采样器分别放置于城区海曙区,以及郊区镇海区、鄞州区和北仑区。结果全年共有2个花粉含量高峰,分别为3至5月和8至10月。海曙区共收集花粉7880粒/1000 mm~2,可鉴定出11个科,24个属,3个种。其中,树木类花粉总计7436粒/1000 mm~2(94.37%),草本类花粉332粒/1000 mm~2(4.21%)。3月至5月共收集到花粉7248粒/1000 mm~2(91.98%),以树木类花粉为主,花粉量较多的依次为松属(27.69%)、桑属(17.79%)、柏科(16.42%)。8月至10月共收集到花粉342粒/1000 mm~2(4.34%),以草本类花粉为主,花粉量较多的依次蒿属(0.96%)、禾本科(0.81%)和大麻葎草属(0.63%)。镇海区共收集花粉4090粒/1000 mm~2,可鉴定出13个科,23个属,3个种;其中,树木类花粉2962粒/1000 mm~2(72.42%),草本类花粉988粒/1000 mm~2(24.16%),花粉含量较多的依次为松属(21.66%)、柏科(12.37%)和柳杉属(10.90%)。鄞州区共收集花粉2568粒/1000mm~2,可鉴定出12个科,20个属;其中,树木类花粉1900粒/1000 mm~2(73.99%),草本类花粉522粒/1000 mm~2(20.33%),花粉含量较多的依次为松属(21.48%)、柏科(17.76%)和柳杉属(7.32%)。北仑区共收集花粉2204粒/1000mm~2,可鉴定出9个科,21个属;其中,树木类花粉1580粒/1000 mm~2(71.69%),草本类花粉526粒/1000 mm~2(23.87%),花粉含量较多的依次为松属(19.42%)、柏科(13.25%)和柳杉属(10.8%)。结论宁波市城区气传花粉分布呈现2个高峰,松属、桑属、柏科和柳杉属是其主要气传花粉。研究为花粉预报、确定主要致敏花粉奠定了基础。     

西安市气传花粉变应原20年变化特点研究

目的明确西安市20年来优势气传花粉的变化特点,为当地花粉症的防治及环保治理气传花粉污染提供依据。方法调查和研究20082010年西安市气传花粉种类、数量和随季节消长的规律,并与19901992年的研究结果进行比较。在西安市分别设置3处花粉取样点,采用Durham重量玻片法取样,并对所收集花粉的形态进行观察和鉴定;每日进行气象资料的观测和记录;进行野外植被调查,制作植物标本及标准花粉片;对门诊确诊的过敏性哮喘患者进行花粉变应原筛查。结果 3处花粉取样点3年来共收集花粉42138粒,其中市中心13309粒、东郊13914粒、西郊14915粒,可归为32科、41属、33种,每月都有花粉飘逸,并形成了3～5月和8～9月2个花粉飘逸高峰;植被调查发现西安市绿化植物以杨树、法桐、松树、柳树、柏树等树木为主,杂草以艾蒿、葎草、藜草、禾本科等草本植物为主;3年来共给501例过敏性哮喘患者进行花粉变应原筛查,抗原阳性率依次为艾蒿、法桐、藜草、葎草。结论 20年来,西安市的气传花粉种类及飘散时间无明显变化,而飘逸数量明显减少;城市绿化树木的数量及品种均比过去有所增加,特别是法桐,在近20年中,作为绿化树木被广泛种植,而郊区庄稼作物及杂草明显减少;艾蒿、葎草、藜草等花粉依然是主要变应原,而法桐过敏阳性率明显升高。     

Environmental and biological monitoring of workers exposed to inorganic lead

A total of 20 workers who were exposed to inorganic lead in two local firms (M and N) were studied. Lead concentrations in the air (PbA) at firm M exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV) of 0.150 mg/m3 established by Spanish and EC legislation, while atmospheric lead at firm N exceeded the action level of 0.075 mg/m3. In the same population, biological exposure indices (BEI) were also determined; these included lead in whole blood (PbB), erythrocyte activity of aminolevulinic acid (ALA-D), urinary excretion of aminolevulinic acid (ALA-U) and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP). The relationship between the exposure parameters (PbA, PbB) and the biological activity indices (ALA-D, ALA-U, ZPP) were analysed statistically in order to obtain levels of significance, coefficients of correlation and regression equations. The high coefficients of correlation found confirm the usefulness of BEI in evaluating exposure to lead fumes and lead dust.