Background: Elevated blood lead level is associated with serious, often irreversible, health consequences. At present, the safe level of blood lead cannot be ascertained since the emerging data indicate the toxic
potential to the human organ system at a low level that was previously considered safe. Screening for blood lead levels is not in regular practice in Nepal. This study is designed to evaluate the prevalence of
detectable blood lead levels in the reproductive age group of the Nepalese population that represents the wide local population.
Materials and Methods: 170 reproductive age group individuals (20 to 49 years) attending Samyak Diagnostic Pvt Ltd and Alka IVF and fertility centre for regular health checkups were included in this study for blood lead level analysis. The participants were categorized as normal or sub-fertile. Blood lead level was estimated using anodic stripping voltammetry.
Results: In total study participants, 28.8% of males and 25.8 % of females had BLL ≥3.0 µg/dL. The minimum detectable blood lead level in both males and females was 3.3 µg/dL while the maximum blood
lead level was higher in males (15.5 µg/dL) than in females (8.4 µg/dL). The median blood lead level of the sample population was 3.7(4.8 -6.9) µg/dL. There was no significant difference in blood lead level between gender (p=0.108).
Conclusion: It is justifiable to screen for blood lead levels in the reproductive age group individual in Nepal.