An evaluation of the hypothesis that females are more susceptible than males to lead-induced haematological alterations.

1. A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted to assess the hypothesis that sex differences exist with respect to selected lead-induced red blood cell parameters. The study utilized data previously collected in the Boston Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. 2. This study revealed no statistically significant difference between males and females (n = 1548) aged 1-6 years for blood FEP levels when blood lead levels were similar. 3. These findings are in contrast with previously published research with human adults, which has suggested that adult females display significantly greater FEP values at identical blood level values as similarly aged men.