Background: The presence of lead in the industrial fumes, sewage, and also in industrial paints, ceramic, and printing materials, make this element as one of the most common environmental contaminant. Lead can enter the body through respiratory and digestive tracts as well as through the skin and with progressive accumulation can have a destructive effect on several organs in the human body. Blood lead level is used as an index of lead contamination. Since Arak is an industrial city there is a danger of lead poisoning in its residents. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional research, 1140 individuals >10 years old were selected randomly from 20 population clones by the use of family codes. After face-to-face interview and a complete physical examination, blood samples were taken for laboratory tests: CBC, BUN, uric acid, creatine, and blood lead level. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS and Excel software and the association between blood lead levels and clinical symptoms was evaluated by logistic regression and one way ANOVA. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: From 1140 investigated residents, 463 individuals, (40.5%), had blood lead levels more than 10 micgr/dl, (range 10-66 μg/dl, mean 13.42 μg /dl). There was no significant difference between males and females, (P>0.05). The difference between age groups was significant, school-age children had the highest and housewives the lowest blood lead levels. We found a significant association between high blood lead levels, anemia and hypertension, (P<0.001). Conclusion: Lead contamination is present in all age groups in the residents of Arak city. Young people are the most susceptible group for lead poisoning. High blood lead levels count as risk factors for hypertension and anemia. We recommend that the sources of lead contamination must be eliminated from the environment in all industrial cities like Arak.

Keywords: Blood Lead level, Hypertension, Anemia.

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