Estimation of blood lead levels in the French population using two complementary approaches: Esteban (2014–2016) as part of the human biomonitoring program and the national surveillance system for childhood lead poisoning (2015–2018)

Abstract

The surveillance system showed a high number of children with lead poisoning despite the implementation of prevention measures, which mainly concern lead paints in old and degraded homes. To help identify children at risk, healthcare providers need to know about exposure from housing and the emerging sources identified in the Esteban survey. Despite lower BLLs, the well-known risk factors of lead exposure persist, meaning prevention efforts must continue in order to limit their impact on the population.