The aim of our study was to assess blood lead level in population of children, to find correlation between blood lead level and physical and psychological development, behaviour and learning progress of children living in Bytom, a town of ecological disaster.
In 1996-97 years we examined 2000 children (about 4% of the general population) in different age groups. Preliminary questionnaire was used to select the children at the highest risk of intoxication. Blood samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Psychological tests were performed using Denver scale, Short Intelligence scale, Kohs test and Monachium method.
The average blood lead levels in examinated groups of children were respectively:

newborns-3,65ug/dl+/-1,31

mothers of newborns-5,42ug/dl+/-1,8

6-24 month old children-4,97ug/dl+/-2,25

3 years old- 4,6ug/dl+/-1,68

school-aged children-4,96ug/dl+/-2,16 We found significantly higher blood lead concentrations in the group of mothers and their newborns with perinatal complications in comparison to healthy ones. Our data show that children's activities essentially influence their blood lead level since the age of 12 month.
In industrial regions such as Bytom lower school grade should be the indication for assessment of blood lead concentration.