| 초록 |
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the reference values and factors influencing blood lead levels among Korean adolescents. Methods: The study population consisted of 1,585 adolescents (801 males, 784 females; aged 10-19 years) who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2013. We analyzed blood lead concentrations in relation to demographic/lifestyle characteristics for all participants. 'Reference values' of blood lead levels were calculated as the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval of the 95th percentile. Results: The average 'reference value' for blood lead concentrations among Korean adolescents was $2.25{ mu}g/dL$ ( $2.49{ mu}g/dL$ for males, $2.07{ mu}g/dL$ for females), and the geometric mean of the blood lead concentrations was $1.34{ mu}g/dL$ . Males had higher blood lead concentrations than females (male, $1.48{ mu}g/dL$ ; female, $1.19{ mu}g/dL$ ; P $1.44{ mu}g/dL$ vs. $1.31{ mu}g/dL$ , P |
